Total Iron Binding Capacity Test

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to determine the iron status of the blood. Iron binds to a protein called transferrin and is then carried throughout the blood. TIBC test is commonly done along with a serum iron test. These tests help in the diagnosis of iron deficiency or iron overload. In anaemic patients, the test is used to determine the cause of the condition, whether it is due to iron deficiency or other causes like chronic blood loss and illness. In case of iron poisoning, this test can be used to screen for hemochromatosis which is a hereditary condition associated with excessive iron accumulation.

It is recommended that you wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt or a full-sleeved shirt with sleeves rolled up. You should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the test. No iron pills should be taken for 24 hours before the test. Certain medications including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), birth control pills, chloramphenicol, fluorides, aspirin may affect the test results. Do not stop any of your medications before talking to your physician.

A TIBC test is done to check for medical conditions that cause abnormal levels of iron in the blood. It detects the iron carrying capacity of the blood. Normal TIBC range is 240 to 450 micrograms per decilitre (mcg/dL). If TIBC is higher than normal, it indicates low level of iron in the body. This may be due to iron deficiency anaemia. It may also be due to pregnancy. Lower than normal TIBC value indicates high amount of iron in the body. This can indicate haemolytic anaemia. Hemochromatosis is also diagnosed by this condition. This is also indicative of inflammation, malnutrition and liver diseases like cirrhosis.

The test requires a sample of blood to be drawn from the arm, usually from a vein in the hand or the bend of the elbow. The area of the arm is cleansed with an antiseptic and an elastic band is tied around the arm to make the veins swell with blood. When a suitable vein that can be seen from the surface is found, a needle is inserted into it. You may feel a slight prickling sensation when the needle goes in. Other than that, the test isn’t painful. Once enough blood needed to perform the test has been drawn, the needle is removed. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.