TIBC

The TIBC test is an important laboratory test that measures the ability of blood proteins to bind and transport iron. The results help doctors assess your body’s iron status and can indicate various health issues, such as anemia, chronic diseases, and iron metabolism disorders. IntroLab in Belgrade offers this test, which is quick, accurate, and performed to the highest laboratory standards.

What is TIBC?

The total amount of iron in the human body ranges from 3 to 3.5 grams. Most of this iron, about 2.5 grams, is located within red blood cells or their precursors in the bone marrow. Only about 2.5 milligrams of iron are present in the plasma. Iron travels through the blood as Fe(III), bound to a plasma protein called apotransferrin. When apotransferrin and Fe(III) combine, they form a complex known as transferrin. Typically, only about one-third of transferrin is saturated with Fe(III). The additional iron that can be bound but is not currently bound represents the unsaturated iron-binding capacity, known as UIBC.

The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is the sum of serum iron and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC). TIBC indicates the maximum amount of iron that transferrin can bind in the bloodstream.

When is the TIBC test indicated?

Testing the total iron-binding capacity, along with other tests for monitoring iron status in the body, can be used to:

• Assess the body’s ability to transport iron through the bloodstream
• Diagnose anemia

UIBC and TIBC are often used to indirectly measure the amount of transferrin in the blood. This is clinically significant, especially when analyzed with other iron metabolism markers such as hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin. Therefore, testing UIBC and TIBC, along with other anemia-related blood tests, is recommended for individuals suspected of having iron deficiency anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels) or excessive iron in the body (hemosiderosis).