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TIBC & UIBC, Transferrin

Also known as: Iron binding capacity; IBC; Serum Iron-Binding capacity; Siderophilin
Formal name: Total iron-binding capacity; Unsaturated iron-binding capacity; Transferrin; Transferrin saturation
Related tests: Iron tests, Serum iron, Ferritin, Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP), Transferrin receptor

Common Questions

1.  Are there other things that cause anemia besides iron-deficiency?

Yes, there are numerous causes of anemia. However, iron deficiency is the most common, which is why iron tests are so frequently performed. If iron tests rule out iron deficiency, another source for the anemia must be found. See the article on Anemia for more on this.

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2.  How is transferrin saturation calculated?

The calculation is:

Transferrin saturation (%) = (Serum iron level x 100%) / TIBC

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3.  What other factors affect the transferrin level?

Transferrin is a protein that may decrease during any inflammatory process and is referred to as a negative acute phase reactant. Chronic inflammation, infections, and malignancies may cause changes in transferrin levels.

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