Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- This test is meant to measure the capacity of blood to bind with iron and carry it to all parts of the body
- No special preparation is required.
- This test would provide one value for TIBC
What is Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) ?
Most of us are obsessed with foods which are rich in iron like Spinach. Little do we know that the absorption of iron into the blood depends on the iron binding capacity of the blood. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test which measures the ability of blood to bind to iron and carry it to all parts of the body. The test is done to diagnose diseases like anemia which are caused due to iron deficiency. TIBC test shows the amount of transferrin in your blood. Transferrin is a protein your liver makes that regulates the absorption of iron into your blood.
The body needs iron to make healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from lungs to rest of the body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow and organ function.
Reported Parameters
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Serum Transferrin
All The Questions that you might have
- When is TIBC Test done ?
- How to interpret the results of TIBC Test ?
- What is the difference between TIBC and Ferritin Tests ?
Your doctor advises TIBC and other tests like Serum Iron and Ferritin if you have anemia due to iron deficiency or excess of iron causing hemochromatosis.
A TIBC test is often part of an iron panel, which may also include the following tests:
- Fasting iron blood test.
- TIBC
- Percentage transferrin saturation or iron saturation.
- Ferritin blood test.
The normal TIBC range is 250 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) to 425 mcg/dL.
Low TIBC -If you have a low TIBC level and a high blood iron level, it could mean you have hemochromatosis (iron overload). Low TIBC and low iron can be a sign of certain conditions, like:
- Cirrhosis.
- Chronic inflammation.
- Infection.
- Malnutrition.
- Nephrotic syndrome.
HIgh TIBC – Having low ferritin levels and high TIBC levels typically means you have iron-deficiency anemia. This is the most common form of anemia. It happens when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in your red blood cell that allows them to carry oxygen throughout your body.
TIBC and ferritin are related tests, but they’re distinct.
A ferritin test measures the level of ferritin — a protein that stores iron inside your cells. While a TIBC test measures how your body transports iron via transferrin, a ferritin test measures how much iron your body stores. Ferritin is a better marker to assess iron deficiency.
