Test Code N/Aautomatically calculated when Iron and UIBC are ordered
Test Details
TIBC
Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if there is too much or too little iron in the blood.
Methodology
TIBC is calculated as follows: Iron + UIBC
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 7 days
Lab Values
TIBC
- Low: <250 µg/dL
- Normal: 250-370 µg/dL
- High: >370 µg/dL
Clinical Significance
TIBC
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is most frequently used along with a serum iron test to evaluate people suspected of having either iron deficiency or iron overload. TIBC + serum iron are used to calculate transferrin saturation.
- In iron deficiency, the iron level is low, the TIBC is increased, and the transferrin saturation becomes very low.
- In iron overload states (i.e. hemochromatosis), the iron level is high, TIBC will be low or normal, and the transferrin saturation is increased.
Treatment Options
TIBC
Treatment is based on etiology of elevation.
