Iron is essential for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport.

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) reflects the amount of transferrin available to bind iron.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing iron deficiency anemia.

Differentiating between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease.

Evaluating iron overload conditions (e.g., hemochromatosis).

Monitoring nutritional status and therapy response.

Often performed alongside serum ferritin and transferrin saturation for a complete iron profile.

Analytes:

Serum Iron: Amount of circulating iron bound to transferrin.

TIBC: Maximum amount of iron that transferrin can bind.

Transferrin Saturation (%): Ratio of serum iron to TIBC.

Normal Ranges (may vary by lab):

Serum Iron: ~60–170 µg/dL

TIBC: ~240–450 µg/dL

Transferrin Saturation: ~20–50%

Abnormal Findings:

Low Iron + High TIBC: Iron deficiency anemia.

Low Iron + Low/Normal TIBC: Anemia of chronic disease.

High Iron + Low TIBC: Iron overload (hemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia).

Clinical Use:

Provides a comprehensive assessment of iron metabolism.

Helps guide diagnosis and treatment of anemia and iron disorders.