Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) in Serum
This test measures the total amount of iron your body can carry in the blood when it’s bound to a protein called transferrin. It helps assess iron status and identify potential iron deficiency or overload.
["TIBC helps evaluate how well your body can transport iron in the bloodstream."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61306-7
- Short code
- CHERRY IGE
- Synonyms
- Cherry IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.35
- Ref high
- 0.69
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 313236002
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days; 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 diagnose or monitor conditions like iron deficiency anemia, iron overload (such as hemochromatosis), and certain liver or kidney disorders. It’s also part of a broader iron panel that includes ferritin and serum iron levels.
How Is TIBC Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to measure the maximum capacity of transferrin to bind iron, which is then compared to standard reference values.
What Does a TIBC Result Mean?
A low TIBC may suggest iron deficiency (since transferrin is more likely to bind iron when iron stores are low). A high TIBC could indicate conditions like anemia of chronic disease or liver dysfunction, though further testing is needed to confirm.
Common Conditions Linked to TIBC
Changes in TIBC are often seen in iron-related disorders, but it can also be affected by conditions like chronic inflammation, liver disease, or certain medications that alter iron metabolism.
Reference range
IgE total: <100 IU/mL; Cherry-specific IgE: <0.35 kU/L (Class 0 - Negative); 0.35-0.69 kU/L (Class 1 - Low); 0.70-3.49 kU/L (Class 2 - Moderate); 3.50-17.49 kU/L (Class 3 - High); 17.50-49.99 kU/L (Class 4 - Very High); 50.00-99.99 kU/L (Class 5 - Very High); >=100 kU/L (Class 6 - Very High)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform clinician of all medications and antihistamine use, as antihistamines may not affect IgE testing but should be documented.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
TIBC is part of an iron study and helps clinicians assess iron transport efficiency in the body. While useful, it’s typically interpreted alongside other iron markers (like ferritin and serum iron) for a complete picture.
Short name
TIBC
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order a TIBC test?
What should I expect during or after the blood draw?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy