Synonyms
Serum Iron-Binding Capacity Siderophilin TIBC UIBC
Clinical Significance
Along with other iron tests, it is used to assess the body’s ability to transport iron in the blood; to help diagnose iron-deficiency or iron overload.
Specimen
Serum
Stability
Refrigerated (preferred) : 7 days
Frozen : 180 days
Reference Range
274- 385 µg/dL
Interpretation
| Disease | Iron | TIBC/Transferrin | UIBC | %Transferrin Saturation | Ferritin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Deficiency | Low | High | High | Low | Low |
| Hemochromatosis/Hemosiderosis | High | Low | Low | High | High |
| Chronic Illness | Low | Low/Normal | Low/Normal | Low/Normal | High/Normal |
| Hemolytic Anemia | High | Normal/Low | Low/Normal | High | High |
| Sideroblastic Anemia | Normal/High | Normal/Low | Low/Normal | High | High |
| Iron Poisoning | High | Normal | Low | High | Normal |
Limitation
A high TIBC, UIBC, or transferrin usually indicates iron deficiency, but they are also increased in pregnancy and with the use of oral contraceptives. A low TIBC, UIBC, or transferrin may also occur if someone has malnutrition, inflammation, liver disease, or nephrotic syndrome. However, the tests are usually not used to assess these conditions.