What Is TIBC?
TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) is a blood test that measures the total amount of transferrin (a protein that binds iron in the blood) available to transport iron in the body.
Transferrin is a glycoprotein synthesized in the liver and used to transport iron from the gut and other places in the body to the bone marrow, where it is used to produce new red blood cells.
Why Is TIBC Analyzed?
Iron-binding capacity is usually measured as a way to evaluate the body's ability to bind and transport iron.
What Can a Low Value of TIBC Be Due To?
A low level of P-TIBC may indicate that there is too little transferrin available, which may be due to high levels of iron in the body or liver or kidney disease.
What Can a High Value of TIBC Be Due To?
A high level of P-TIBC may indicate that there is too much transferrin available in the blood to bind iron, which may be due to a lack of iron in the body.