Measurement of iron content in liver used as reference point for estimating total body iron stores. May be quantified using:
Liver biopsy with direct histological visualization; iron deposition: Is typically evaluated on a semi-quantitative scale based on Prussian Blue staining of iron granules. May be more accurately quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Magnetic resonance imaging - widely available, noninvasive procedure for estimation of LIC Spin-echo technique Gradient echo technique
Iron in the liver cannot be quantitated using ultrasound or CT scan.
Normal LIC = 0.17-1.8 mg iron/g dry weight.