TIBC Test

The TIBC serum is an important diagnostic test helping health care professionals identify iron deficiency as well as overload with precision and help guide appropriate therapy. 
Although the kind of anemia produced by iron deficiency is relatively easy to identify as the size of RBC decreases along with increase in central pallor known as Microcytic Hypochromic anemia, there are many causes producing similar kinds of blood picture in anemia.
 

Total Iron Binding Capacity refers to iron binding capacity of serum transferrin and acts as an indirect measure of transferrin levels which are otherwise difficult to measure. In iron deficiency anemia the TIBC is increased.

Most common symptoms range from lethargy, weakness, decreased capacity to work along with increased susceptibility to catch common infections. Apart from this, it also affects the ability to concentrate correlating with academic performance issues in growing children.

TIBC test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

Iron absorption occurs mostly in the upper part of the small intestine, mostly in duodenum and partly in jejunum. ONaverage, the minimum daily requirement of iron in an adult male is 1mg and in adult females is 2 mg, but only 10% of dietary iron is absorbed in the body. The iron requirements are increased in certain conditions like pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most of the iron in the body is present in Hemoglobin, rest of it is present in storage forms in the body like ferritin and hemosiderin.

You can consume dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, beans, eggs, seafood and poultry to meet iron needs.

Dietary iron is absorbed in the upper part of the small intestine, from there it goes to the plasma labile pool and is transferred with the help of a protein known as transferrin. From transferrin iron goes to either the bone marrow or to splenic Reticuloendothelial cell macrophages according to demand of iron in the body. In bone marrow this available iron is required to produce RBCs.

The total iron binding capacity test, or the TIBC test, measures the total amount of iron that can be bound by transferrin proteins in the blood. It evaluates how well transferrin can transport iron to the bone marrow for red blood cell production. 

The total iron binding capacity test, or the TIBC test, is recommended when a person exhibits symptoms of anaemia, during pregnancy, when iron overload conditions are suspected, or as part of routine check-ups to monitor iron levels. 

The TIBC blood test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring iron-related disorders, such as iron deficiency anaemia and iron overload conditions. It helps guide treatment and prevents complications associated with iron imbalances.  

The total iron binding capacity test, or the TIBC test, can be performed at any age, depending on the clinical need. It is commonly used in children, adults, and older adults to assess and monitor iron levels. 

The benefits of the TIBC test include accurate diagnosis of iron-related disorders, monitoring treatment efficacy, and early detection of iron imbalances, which can prevent complications associated with iron deficiency or overload. 

Normal TIBC values vary slightly among laboratories but generally range from 171 to 505 mcg/dL for males and 149 to 492 mcg/dL for females. Transferrin saturation should be between 20% to 50% for males and 15% to 45% for females. 

Yes, fasting is often required before taking the TIBC blood test. Patients may need to avoid food and drink for 8-12 hours prior to the TIBC test to ensure accurate results. 

Yes, diagnostic centres like Metropolis Healthcare offer home sample collection for the TIBC test, where a trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the required blood samples. 

The TIBC test reports are usually available within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, the exact turnaround time may vary depending on the diagnostic centre and the volume of tests being processed.