What Is TIBC in a Blood Test?
TIBC stands for Total Iron Binding Capacity. Measures how much transferrin (iron-transport protein) is available to carry iron.
Normal Range
- 240–450 µg/dL
- High TIBC = more empty transport sites (iron deficiency)
- Low TIBC = fewer transport sites (overload or inflammation)
High TIBC Causes
- Iron deficiency — body produces more transferrin
- Pregnancy
- Oral contraceptives
- Chronic blood loss
Low TIBC Causes
- Iron overload (hemochromatosis)
- Chronic inflammation
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition
- Nephrotic syndrome
Transferrin Saturation
- (Serum Iron ÷ TIBC) × 100 = saturation percentage
- Normal: 20–50%
- Below 20% = iron deficiency
- Above 45% = hemochromatosis screening (HFE genetic testing)
Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
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