The Iron Test with Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) can detect how much iron is in the blood. Serum iron quantification is useful in confirming the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis. The measurement of total iron binding in the same specimen may facilitate the clinician#s ability to distinguish between low serum iron levels caused by iron deficiency from those related to inflammatory neoplastic disorders. The assay for iron measures the amount of iron which is bound to transferrin. The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) measures the amount of iron that would appear in blood if all the transferrin were saturated with iron. It is an indirect measurement of transferrin concentrations but expressed as an iron measurement. To obtain the percent saturation, the serum iron is divided by the TIBC which gives the actual amount of saturated transferrin. The percent saturation is low in iron deficiency and high in iron storage diseases.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Total Iron,
Iron Binding Capacity,
% Saturation (calculated)
Specimens should be collected in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
The Iron Test with Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) can detect how much iron is in the blood. A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Percent of saturation; serum iron; total iron binding capacity; unsaturated iron binding capacity
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
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