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Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
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Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

(UIBC)
299380 21% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.
  2. Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection.

Understanding Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity


What is Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity?

An Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity test determines the reserve capacity of transferrin, a protein that binds iron, not yet bound to iron. UIBC is most frequently used along with a serum iron test and a total iron-binding capacity test (TIBC) to evaluate individuals suspected of having either iron deficiency (such as iron deficiency anemia) or iron overload.

Iron is an important nutrient required to perform various bodily functions. Iron helps produce healthy red blood cells (RBCs). It acts as 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 skin, nails, 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 via the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. Your body makes transferrin in relation to your need for iron. When iron stores are low, transferrin levels increase, while transferrin is low when there is too much iron. Usually, about one-third of the transferrin is being used to transport iron. Because of this, your blood serum has considerable extra iron-binding capacity, which is the unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC).

An Unsaturated 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 within your body. Signs and symptoms associated with low iron levels may include pale skin, fatigue, headaches, weakness, and brittle nails, while those associated with excess iron stores may include irregular heartbeat, joint pain, loss of hair, and abdominal pain.

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory before undergoing an Unsaturated 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. 

What is Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity used for?

An Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity test can be done:

  • As part of iron studies.

  • To determine the capacity of the blood to transport iron.

  • In case of abnormal results hemoglobin and hematocrit on complete blood count .

  • In case of signs and symptoms of iron deficiency  such as chronic fatigue/tiredness, dizziness, weakness, headaches, pale skin (pallor), etc.

  • In case of signs and symptoms of iron overload such as joint pain, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, lack of energy, abdominal pain, loss of sex drive, organ damage, such as in the heart and/or liver, etc.

What does Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity measure?

An Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity test determines the reserve capacity of transferrin, i.e., the portion not yet saturated with iron. The iron-binding capacity of our body can be segregated into two parts – Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC). UIBC refers to the capacity of transferrin, a protein that transports iron, to bind with additional iron. In easy terms, it represents the available "slots" on transferrin to carry iron molecules. Unlike iron saturation, which assesses the occupied slots, UIBC measures the unoccupied ones.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity


Frequently Asked Questions about Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

Q. When do I need an Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity?

You may need an Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity if your doctor suspects you may have too much or too little iron in your body. Symptoms of these conditions can include fatigue, weakness, unusual cravings, and difficulty concentrating.

Q. What are the possible causes of iron deficiency?

Common causes of iron deficiency include not getting enough iron in your diet, chronic blood loss, pregnancy, and vigorous exercise.

Q. What is iron-deficiency anemia?

The iron-deficiency anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin. Iron deficiency symptoms, such as fatigue, extreme weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, etc., may develop over time. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements to treat iron-deficiency anemia.

Q. What is iron overload and how can it be prevented?

Iron overload is a condition that occurs when there is too much iron in the blood, which can damage organs. It can be prevented by not taking excessive iron supplements and monitoring iron levels.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of iron overload?

The signs and symptoms of iron overload include joint pain, fatigue, weakness, weight loss, lack of energy, abdominal pain, loss of sex drive, and damage to organs such as the heart or liver.

Q. What are the natural food sources of iron?

Spinach, broccoli, lentils, peas, figs, dates, dark chocolate, tofu, and eggs are some of the natural food sources of iron.

Q. What does having a high UIBC mean?

An elevated UIBC usually signifies a reduced iron supply in the body, which may be linked to ailments like iron deficiency anemia or iron absorption issues.
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Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity test price for other cities


Price inPuneRs. 299
Price inGhaziabadRs. 340
Price inGurgaonRs. 299
Price inLucknowRs. 530
Price inPatnaRs. 299
+ more

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