Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), serum level

Short Name: TIBC
Sample required: Serum
Result Time: 1 Days

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) test measures the bloods capacity to bind iron with transferrin, hence, indirectly it measures transferrin availability, and is a reflection of iron stores. TIBC is most frequently used along with a serum iron test to evaluate people suspected of having either iron deficiency or iron overload; In iron deficiency, the iron level is low, but the TIBC is INCREASED. In iron overload states, such as hemochromatosis, the iron level will be high and the TIBC will be LOW or normal. Abnormal levels of TIBC can also point towards other varieties of disease states such as liver disease and malnutrition