LAB TEST
Total iron binding capacity
Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you have too much or too little iron in your blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your health care provider know how well that protein can carry iron in your blood.
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
You should not eat or drink for 8 hours before the test. Certain medicines may affect the result of this test. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines. Do not stop any medicine before talking to your provider. Medicines that can affect the test result include: Adrenocorticotropic hormone…
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Your provider may recommend this test if: You have signs or symptoms of anemia due to low iron Other lab tests suggest you have anemia due to low iron levels
Normal Results
Normal value range is: Iron: Males: 50 to 150 mcg/dL (8.95 to 26.85 micromol/L); Females: 35 to 145 mcg/dL (6.26 to 25.95 micromol/L) Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): Males: 171 to 505 mcg/dL (30.6 to 90.3 micromol/L); Females: 149 to 492 mcg/dL (26.7 to 88.0 micromol/L) Iron saturation: Males: 20% to 50%; Females:…
What Abnormal Results Mean
TIBC is usually higher than normal when the body's iron supplies are low. This can occur with: Iron deficiency anemia Pregnancy (late) Lower-than-normal TIBC may mean: Anemia due to red blood cells being destroyed too quickly ( hemolytic anemia ) Lower-than-normal level of protein in the blood (hypoproteinemia)…
Risks
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive…
References
Camaschella C. Disorders of iron homeostasis: iron deficiency and overload. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 37. Markell M, Siddiqi HA. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 31/03/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.