BiomarkersTIBC
Blood & iron
TIBC
How much iron your blood could carry
On your report it may say: Total iron-binding capacity
TIBC measures how much iron your blood proteins could carry. When iron is low, the body makes more carrier protein, so TIBC rises.
Typical ranges · µg/dL
µmol/L = µg/dL × 0.179
Used to calculate transferrin saturation.
Ranges vary by lab, age and sex. The range printed on your report applies.
If it's low
Low TIBC can occur with inflammation, iron overload or low protein.
Common causes
- Inflammation or chronic illness
- Iron overload
- Malnutrition or liver disease
What you might notice
- Depends on the cause
If it's high
High TIBC usually signals that iron stores are low.
Common causes
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Oral contraceptives
What you might notice
- Same as iron deficiency
Testing
- Who should test
- As part of a full iron panel.
- How to prepare
- Morning, fasting test.
- When to retest
- With your iron panel.
What can help
Food sources
Discuss the whole iron panel with your doctor.
Common questions
Why would TIBC be high when iron is low?
The body makes more carriers to grab any iron it can.
Do I need it if I have ferritin?
It helps when ferritin is unclear, for example during inflammation.
Explore further
Sources
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Build My Nutrition PlanFor general education only, not medical advice. Ranges shown are typical for adults; the range printed on your lab report applies. Talk to a qualified doctor about your results.