Skip to content
Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.
Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.

NOTES FROM THE LAB

Hello! My name is Jamila Quaye and I am a senior biomedical scientist with a specialism in haematology, here at One Day Tests laboratory.

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) - description and reference ranges

What is it?

A total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test measures the capacity of the cells in your blood to attach to iron and transport it around the body. This measure is used in our calculation of the transferrin saturation.

Transferrin is a protein made in the liver. It couples up with iron and transfers (hence the name) it around the body, hence regulating the absorption of iron into the blood. TIBC relates to the amount of transferrin that is available to bind to iron.

Reference ranges

If your indicative TIBC level is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

If you have elevated iron concentration in your body, outside of the reference ranges, for example, this may imply a condition such as haemochromatosis. So your iron levels will be high and consequently your TIBS will be low (or closer to normal), as there are is not much unbound transferrin left in your blood.

You should discuss how to manage your iron levels and this result with your GP.

If your indicative TIBC level is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

If you have iron deficiency anaemia (meaning you lack iron in your blood), your iron level will be low but your TIBC will be at a higher level, because there is lots of unbound transferrin, looking for iron to bind to and not finding it.

You should discuss how to manage your iron levels and this result with your GP.

QUICK TEST FINDER

Find what you need in under 30 seconds with our (very clever!) test finder.

We offer a huge range of markers all a few clicks away, as well as fastest turnaround times.

FIND YOUR TEST
QUICK TEST FINDER

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ

  • Travel health
    Dr. Adam Staten

    TRAVEL HEALTH ADVICE

    As summer approaches, our thoughts turn to holidays. But there is no more certain way to ruin a long-awaited trip abroad than to fall ill whilst you are away.
    Read now
  • family playing in the sun
    Adam Staten

    SUMMER HEALTH ADVICE

    As Summer approaches, this brings with it a wide range of health benefits as well as potential risks to look out for. Stay safe and healthy this summer.
    Read now