Total Iron Binding Capacity

Iron is an important nutrient required to perform numerous bodily functions. Iron helps produce healthy red blood cells (RBCs). It is a crucial part of hemoglobin, the protein in RBCs that combines with oxygen and is transported to various body parts. Besides these, iron provides energy, improves concentration, promotes healthier nails, skin, and hair, strengthens the immune system, etc. Usually, the body cannot produce iron by itself and thus it is absorbed from the foods we eat or from supplements.

Iron is transported throughout the body by transferrin, largely produced by the liver. Transferrin is a protein that attaches iron molecules and transports iron in the blood plasma. In a healthy person, most iron is incorporated into the hemoglobin within developing RBCs in the bone marrow. The remaining amount is stored in the tissues as ferritin or hemosiderin. The Total Iron Binding Capacity test is typically used along with iron and ferritin tests to evaluate if you are suspected of having too much or too little iron stored in your body. Signs and symptoms associated with low iron levels may include pale skin, fatigue, headaches, weakness, brittle nails, etc, while those associated with excess iron may include joint pain, abdominal pain, low sex drive, damage to the heart or liver, etc. 

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory before undergoing the Total Iron Binding Capacity test. However, it is also important to inform the doctor about any of the medicines you are taking, especially iron supplements, as some of them may affect your iron levels and need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Discuss your symptoms and specific test results with your doctor to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, recommend lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medications are required to manage your condition and formulate your overall treatment plan. 

Note: Though TIBC is a reflection of the amount of transferrin available, TIBC and transferrin are not synonymous.