MLT GlobeTotal iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
Iron Studies · also called TIBC, Iron-binding capacity
What it measures
Measures the maximum amount of iron the blood can carry, which mainly reflects transferrin. It rises when iron stores are low and falls in inflammation.
Specimen and preparation
- Specimen: Serum
- Tube: Gold top
- Preparation: Fasting morning sample preferred, drawn with serum iron.
Reference range
| Group | Range |
|---|---|
| Adult | 250–450 µg/dL |
| Adult (SI) | 45–80 µmol/L |
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.
Causes of high values
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Oral contraceptives or estrogen
Causes of low values
- Anemia of chronic disease
- Malnutrition and protein loss (nephrotic syndrome)
- Liver cirrhosis
- Iron overload
Method
Iron saturation and removal of excess followed by colorimetric iron measurement, or calculated from transferrin
Good to know
High TIBC with low iron points to iron deficiency; low TIBC with low iron suggests inflammation.
Related tests
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