Description
Iron + Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test – Serum
What does this test measure?
This blood test measures serum iron levels and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), helping to calculate the percentage of transferrin saturation. It is crucial for differentiating between iron deficiency and iron overload.
In iron deficiency anemia, serum iron is low, TIBC is high, and transferrin saturation is low. In anemia of chronic disease, serum iron is low, and TIBC is normal or low. In hereditary hemochromatosis, serum iron is high, TIBC is low or normal, and transferrin saturation is often above 60–70%.
Who is this test most suitable for?
- Menstruating females (higher risk of iron deficiency)
- Vegetarian/vegan diet (possible low iron intake)
- Frequent blood donors
- People using iron supplements or multivitamins (to avoid overload)
Clinical Use
This test helps diagnose iron-deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, or hemochromatosis. It is often accompanied by ferritin testing, but ferritin might be separate. The results guide whether someone needs iron supplementation, further investigations (like colonoscopy if iron-deficiency anemia of unknown cause), or treatments to remove iron (phlebotomy for overload).
