Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
What it measures
TIBC measures the blood's capacity to carry iron, bound to a protein called transferrin.
Often reported in µg/dL. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, ages and sexes, so always compare with the range printed on your own report.
Why it matters
TIBC moves in the opposite direction from iron stores in many conditions, so it's typically read together with iron and ferritin rather than by itself.
Questions worth asking
- How does this fit with my iron and ferritin results?
- Would calculating transferrin saturation add useful information?
- Is further iron-study workup worth considering?
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Educational information only. Not a diagnosis, not treatment advice, and not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.