UIBC reflects the portion of transferrin that is not yet bound to iron.

It is calculated as: TIBC – Serum Iron.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing iron deficiency anemia.

Differentiating between iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease.

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

Monitoring nutritional status and chronic illness.

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

Analyte: Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (µg/dL).

Normal Range (varies by lab): ~110–370 µg/dL.

Abnormal Findings:

High UIBC: Suggests iron deficiency anemia (more transferrin available to bind iron).

Low UIBC: Seen in iron overload, chronic disease, malnutrition, or liver disease.

Clinical Use:

Provides a direct measure of transferrin reserve capacity.

Helps guide diagnosis and management of anemia and iron disorders.

Supports hematology, internal medicine, and nutrition evaluations.