Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) – Serum
This test measures the amount of iron your body can carry in the blood when it’s bound to a protein called transferrin.
["TIBC helps assess iron availability and potential iron deficiency."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45227-6
- Short code
- BLKBRY
- Synonyms
- Blackberry IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; 1 month at -20°C; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is TIBC Used For?
Doctors use TIBC to evaluate iron status in the body. It can help diagnose conditions like iron deficiency anemia, where the body doesn’t have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. TIBC can also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting iron metabolism, such as hemochromatosis or certain types of anemia.
How Is TIBC Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed using a method called nephelometry (neph). This test measures how much iron can bind to transferrin in your serum.
Why Might You Need a TIBC Test?
You may need a TIBC test if your doctor suspects iron deficiency, unexplained fatigue, or other symptoms like pale skin, weakness, or shortness of breath. It may also be ordered as part of a routine checkup or if you have conditions like chronic kidney disease or certain types of anemia.
What Are Common Results and Interpretation?
Results are typically reported as a concentration value (often in micrograms per deciliter or micrograms per milliliter). While specific reference ranges can vary by lab, higher than expected TIBC levels may suggest iron deficiency, while lower levels might indicate conditions like hemochromatosis or liver disease.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.35-0.69 kU/L; Positive: 0.70-3.49 kU/L; Strongly Positive: 3.50-17.49 kU/L; Very Strongly Positive: ≥17.50 kU/L. Total IgE reference range: 0-100 IU/mL for adults (age-dependent).N/A
No fasting required. Patients should continue their usual medications unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. Inform the clinician of any recent antihistamine use, as it may affect clinical correlation but does not alter IgE antibody measurements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
TIBC is a key indicator of iron availability in the body. Low TIBC often correlates with iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia and fatigue. Conversely, high TIBC may indicate an increased demand for iron (e.g., pregnancy, rapid growth) or conditions that interfere with iron absorption. It is often used alongside other tests, such as serum iron and ferritin, to assess overall iron status comprehensively.
Short name
TIBC
Frequently asked questions
What does a TIBC test measure?
Can TIBC test results be affected by diet?
How often should I get a TIBC test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy