06/11/2025
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test
1. Objective
The objective of the test was to measure the total capacity of serum transferrin to bind iron, which helped assess iron status and diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload.
2. Principle
The principle was based on the binding of excess iron to transferrin in the serum, followed by measurement of unbound iron after addition of a colorimetric reagent. The difference between added iron and unbound iron reflected the TIBC.
3. Materials
• Patient serum
• Ferrous iron solution
• Chromogen or color reagent (e.g., ferrozine)
• Standard iron solution
• Spectrophotometer or colorimeter
• Test tubes, pipettes, and cuvettes
4. Procedure (Lab Method)
1. Blood was collected and serum was separated by centrifugation.
2. A known excess amount of iron was added to the serum to saturate transferrin.
3. After incubation, unbound iron was removed or precipitated.
4. The remaining bound iron was measured using a colorimetric reagent.
5. TIBC was calculated using the formula:
TIBC=Serum Iron+Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)\text{TIBC} = \text{Serum Iron} + \text{Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)}TIBC=Serum Iron+Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)
5. Result
• Normal range (serum): 250–450 µg/dL
• Low TIBC: Seen in chronic infections, liver disease, or malnutrition
• High TIBC: Seen in iron deficiency anemia
6. Uses
• To evaluate iron status in patients with anemia.
• To distinguish iron deficiency anemia from anemia of chronic disease.
• To monitor iron therapy.
7. Consultation
Patients were advised to consult a physician for interpretation of abnormal TIBC results and for further evaluation and treatment based on underlying conditions.