AN OVERVIEW
About Iron Binding Capacity Test
Why is the Total Iron Binding Capacity Test done?
When it looks like you have too much or too little iron in your system, a TIBC test may be requested. If you have anaemia, especially if your red blood cells are small and pale (microcytic and hypochromic), it could be related to an iron shortage, and you should get an iron test. If your doctor feels you have too much iron or if you have a family history of haemochromatosis, you may be tested with iron and TIBC (or transferrin or UIBC).
What does the Total Iron Binding Capacity Test measure?
The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test determines how efficiently iron travels through your body. Iron is a vital mineral that your body requires to be healthy. Haemoglobin is produced by your body using iron. This is the protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. You may not have enough haemoglobin if you don’t get enough iron. Iron deficiency anaemia is the medical term for this condition. The majority of iron in your body is carried or bound to a protein called transferrin, which is produced by your liver. The TIBC test is based on the presence of several proteins in the blood, including transferrin. Almost always, your transferrin levels are checked simultaneously with your iron and TIBC levels.
Risk/side effects of Total Iron Binding Capacity Test
Blood testing is relatively risk-free. Some patients develop minor bruising or pain in the place where the needle was put. This, however, usually passes in a few days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
What does it mean if total iron binding capacity is high?
Low iron levels are indicated by a high TIBC.
What causes low TIBC levels in blood?
Excess iron in the body is the most common reason for low TIBC.
How does haemochromatosis affect the body?
Your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat if you have hereditary hemochromatosis. Your organs, particularly your liver, heart, and pancreas, accumulate excess iron. Too much iron can cause life-threatening complications like liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Iron Binding Capacity test results
Interpreting Total Iron Binding Capacity Test results
Your test results may vary depending on your age, sex, medical history, test technique, and other factors. It’s possible that your test results don’t indicate an issue. Inquire with your doctor about the implications of your test results. Men, women, and children may have varying normal iron testing results. Micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) are used to measure iron and TIBC.
| Category | Iron Binding Capacity |
| Men | 65-175 mcg/dL |
| Women | 50-170 mcg/dL |
| Children | 50-120 mcg/dL |
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 130*
The ability of the blood to adhere to iron and move it around the body is measured by a total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test. Looking to book a TIBC test in Chandigarh?
Read further to know more about the test.
Your iron level will be low yet your TIBC will be high if you have iron deficiency (a lack of iron in your blood). It will be high if you have too much iron (for example, if you have haemochromatosis), yet your TIBC will be low or normal.
The liver produces the protein transferrin. It controls the amount of iron absorbed into the bloodstream. The quantity of transferrin in your blood that is accessible to attach to iron is referred to as TIBC. Although TIBC and transferrin are two separate tests, they both measure the same thing, thus you’ll almost always have one or the other. Because transferrin is created by the liver, if you have liver illness, your TIBC level will be low as well.
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