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Total iron binding capacity (TIBC)

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC)

Serum TIBC is a measurement of the maximum concentration of iron that serum protein ,principally transferring , can bind.

This test differentiates anemia,s secondary to iron deficiency from other diseases associated with the variations in cellular oxidation.

The transferrin test, TIBC, UIBC and transferrin saturation essentially measure the same thing. They evaluate the blood’s ability to bind and transport iron and are a reflection of iron stores.

• The TIBC measures the total amount of iron that can be bound by proteins in the blood. Since transferrin is the primary iron-binding protein, the TIBC test is a good indirect measurement of transferrin availability.
• The UIBC test determines the reserve capacity of transferrin, i.e., the portion of transferrin that has not yet been saturated with iron. UIBC can be measured directly or calculated as TIBC – iron = UIBC.

• Serum iron measures the total amount of iron in the blood, nearly all of which is bound to transferrin. It is required to calculate either the TIBC or UIBC.
• Transferrin saturation is a calculation using the iron test result and the TIBC or UIBC results, representing the percentage of the transferrin that is saturated with iron.

Sample :

• Serum must be separated from cells as soon as possible, which is stable 1week at 4ºc and several month at (-20ºc ) .
• instructed to fast for 12 hours before the test. In this case, only water is allowed. A morning specimen is preferred.
• Hemolyzed sample is rejected .

Clinical significance:

1- In iron deficiency, the iron level is low, but the TIBC is increased, thus transferrin saturation becomes very low.

2- In iron overload states, such as hemochromatosis , the iron level will be high and the TIBC will be low or normal, causing the transferrin saturation to increase. UIBC may be ordered as an alternative to TIBC.

3- It is ordered along with other test in case of symptoms of anemia or iron over load

4- Iron and TIBC are also ordered in cases of suspected iron poisoning, which is most common in children who accidentally overdose with vitamins or other supplements containing iron.

5- It is decreased in : chronic inflammatory disorders , hemolytic anemia e.g: thalassemia , malignancies ,hemochromatosis , cirrhosis  ,and renal disease that cause loss of protein in urine .  

Referance range:

Child: 100 -400 Mg \dl

Adult: 250 -450 Mg\dl.

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC)

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