Serum Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)

Also known as Iron Binding Capacity; IBC; Serum Iron-Binding Capacity; Total Iron Binding Capacity; TIBC; Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

Why test for Serum Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)

Serum Iron Binding Capicity is also known as Also known as Iron Binding Capacity; IBC; Serum Iron-Binding Capacity; Total Iron Binding Capacity; TIBC; Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

Serum Iron Binding Capicity lab test is frequently performed along with some other related tests such as  Iron Tests, Serum Iron, Ferritin, Zinc Protoporphyrin, Complete Blood Count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Reticulocyte Count, Soluble Transferrin Receptor.

Serum Iron Binding Capicity lab test helps to assess your body's ability to transport iron in the blood

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 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 (ACTH)
• Birth control pills
• Chloramphenicol
• Fluorides

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

You may have no symptoms if the anemia is mild or if the problem develops slowly. Symptoms that may occur first include:

• Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise
• Headaches
• Problems concentrating or thinking

If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include:

• Blue color to the whites of the eyes
• Brittle nails
• Desire to eat ice or other non-food things (pica syndrome)
• Lightheadedness when you stand up
• Pale skin color
• Shortness of breath with mild activity or even at rest
• Sore tongue

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)
• Inflammation
• Liver disease, such as cirrhosis
• Malnutrition
• Decrease in red blood cells from the intestines not properly absorbing vitamin B12 (pernicious anemia)
• Sickle cell anemia

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.