Synonyms: Fe and TIBC; Iron Indices; Iron Profile; TIBC; TIBC and Iron; Total Iron Binding Capacity; Transferrin Saturation; UIBC; Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

SERUM

NOTICE: This is a component of the Anemia Conclusive Panel which may be more appealing than ordering this test alone.

Why It Is Done

This test is used to determine how your body transports iron. It can be used for a differential diagnosis of anemia and evaluate iron poisoning (toxicity). TIBC or transferrin is a useful index of nutritional status.

Test Overview

Iron is transported in the blood bound to a protein called transferrin. Transferrin moves the iron from the iron storage sites to where it is needed in the body. It also transports the iron back to the storage sites when not needed. TIBC is an indirect measurement of transferring levels.

How To Prepare

Patient should be fasting 10 to 12 hours