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Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry
Test Name:
IRON BINDING CAPACITY (TIBC), WRHA & Westman Lab (ROCHE) - (P)
Test Code: TIBC
Clinical Information:
Test Indications:  Transferrin is the primary plasma transport protein and is about 25% to 30% saturated with iron. The additional amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin is the unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC). The sum of serum iron and UIBC represents the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). It is a measurement of the maximum iron concentration that transferrin can bind. Serum iron will also be reported when total iron-binding capacity is requested.
Note: Serum ferritin  and complete blood count (CBC) are the preferred tests for the detection of iron deficiency. Although widely used, serum iron, iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation are not recommended for the investigation of iron deficiency anemia.
Patient Preparation Instructions:  Patient should fast 12 hours prior to specimen collection.
Iron containing supplements should be avoided for 24 hours.
Specimens should be collected in the morning as iron levels decrease throughout the day.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL

Stability 7 days refrigerated
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport)
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Females:           47-80 μmol/L
Males:                47-72 μmol/L              (μmol/L x 5.58 = μg/dL)
Availability:
Daily
See Also:
More Information: