Iron and TIBC Studies

Iron is found in all of the body’s cells. Iron is considered an essential mineral because hemoglobin can’t be made without it.

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) measures the blood’s capacity to bind iron with transferrin and thus is an indirect way of assessing transferrin level.

Whatever iron you get from diet such as leafy vegetables, seafood, eggs, beans etc, is carried throughout your bloodstream by a protein called transferrin. Transferrin is produced by liver. The TIBC test evaluates how well transferrin carries iron through your blood.

Once it’s in your blood, iron helps form hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an important protein in RBCs (Red Blood Cells) that helps carry oxygen throughout the body so it can function normally.

Rarely Total Iron Binding test can also be performed if you have high levels of iron as well. Some symptoms of high iron levels are

• Joint pain
• A change in skin colour to bronze or grey
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden weight loss
• Hair loss
• An irregular heart rhythm

Why Total Iron Binding CApacity, Serum (TIBC)?

TIBC test is important for following reasons:

• To check if you have low iron levels (Anemia): more commonly known as Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Diagnose any other types Anemia
• To check if you have high iron levels
• To monitor existing iron supplement treatment

Who should get tested for Total Iron Binding CApacity, Serum (TIBC)

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of anemia or you have been diagnosed with Anemia is characterized by a low RBC or hemoglobin count, Total Iron Binding test is done to confirm the same.

Some common symptoms of Anemia include:

• Tiredness or weakness
• Pale skin
• Recurrent infections
• Feeling cold all time
• Difficulty in concentration
• Swollen tongue
• Delayed mental development in children

Reference Range and Requirements for Total Iron Binding Capacity, Serum (TIBC)

Reference range of TIBC: 250 to 450 mcg/dL

Requirements: You are required to fast (not to eat or drink 8-12 hours) before testing.

Interpretation:

Low TIBC indicates most of the Transferrin is bound to Iron and high iron levels are present in your body. This can be due to hemochromatosis, cirrhosis of liver, anaemia’s of infection and chronic diseases, nephrosis and hyperthyroidism.

However, high TIBC means Transferrin is free hence low iron levels in body. This could be due to dietary deficiency, anemia, and increased blood loss during menstruation or pregnancy.

Some medications such as birth control pills, antibiotics, ACTH or fluorides can affect the results of a TIBC test. Hence, kindly share with doctor if you are taking any medication.