Test Description

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is a medical laboratory test that measures the blood’s capacity to bind iron with transferrin. It is performed by drawing blood and measuring the maximum amount of iron that it can carry, which indirectly measures transferrin since transferrin is the most dynamic carrier.

When should this test be ordered?
Typically ordered following decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels within the CBC profile. Also ordered to evaluate iron deficiency and other conditions such as hemochromatosis, chronic illness, hemolytic anemia, sideroblastic anemia or iron poisoning.
High Risk · Outside Reference Range
Lower than reference range:
Suggestive of Hemochromatosis or Chronic illness or Hemolytic Anemia or Sideroblastic Anemia. Treat underlying cause.

Greater than reference range:
Likely iron deficiency. Consider increasing patient's iron intake.
Borderline Risk · None
Not applicable for this test
Low Risk · Within Reference Range
Reference Range:

Male:: 171-505 (µg/dL)

Female:: 149-492 (µg/dL)
Testing Method Used
Iron: Colorimetric; UIBC: Direct determination with FerroZine; TIBC: Calculation of Iron + UIBC.

Sample is stable for 7 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Since a variety of conditions affect your iron results, modifications, treatment and prevention should be individually assessed by your healthcare practitioner.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be ordered with tests that require fasting.
Drawing and Processing

tube1

  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tube
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen
References

1. Yamanishi H, Iyama S, Yamaguchi Y, Kanakura Y, Iwatani Y (January 2003). “Total iron-binding capacity calculated from serum transferrin concentration or serum iron concentration and unsaturated iron-binding capacity”

2. Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th Edition (2008). 

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.