Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test

This test reports total iron, total iron-binding capacity, and % saturation of iron in mcg/dL. It can detect both low and excessive iron. Low iron can lead to anemia, while excess iron can affect virtually every aspect of health.

Ordering the Iron + Total Iron Binding Capacity Test From Great Plains

A total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test is a blood test that measures how much transferrin present in the blood is bound to iron. This measurement shows how well iron is functioning in the body.

Transferrin is a protein made by the liver that binds to iron in the blood, and once iron is bound to transferrin, it goes to the bone marrow to produce red blood cells and hemoglobin, the protein that helps to carry oxygen.

There are Two Types of TIBC Tests:

• ‍Unsaturated iron-binding capacity: The Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) measures how much transferrin is not yet bound to iron
  ‍
• Total iron-binding capacity: The TIBC reflects the total amount of iron in the blood plus the UIBC.
  

Which Patients is the Iron + Total Iron Binding Capacity Test From Great PlainsBest Used For?

A physician may order a TIBC test if an individual presents signs of high or low iron.

Low Iron Symptoms:

• Tiredness
• Pale skin
• Weakness
• Feeling cold all the time
• Getting sick a lot
• Swollen tongue
• Brain growth problems in children
  

High Iron Symptoms

• Tiredness
• Stomach pain
• Joint pain
• Weakness
  

A TIBC test is usually performed as part of an iron panel that includes iron and transferrin. Because transferrin and TIBC tests both measure the levels of transferrin in the blood, these are basically the same test. In some cases, a physician might order one or the other.