iron-binding capacity in serum (TIBC)
Reference interval
- Male & Female: 250-450 ug/dL
Principle
Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is determined by pretreating a sample using the method of Starr, with reagents manufactured by J & S Medical Associate, Inc.
Excess iron citrate reagent is added to the sample to saturate all available transferrin sites. After an incubation period of three to five minutes, the treated sample is applied to an alumina column where iron that is not bound to transferrin is absorbed.
The transferrin-bound iron contained in the eluate is the total iron-binding capacity of the sample. TIBC is determined with the Kodak Ektachem Clinical Chemistry Slides (Fe) in the same manner as for an untreated sample.
Clinical significance
Most body iron is found in hemoglobin. The serum measurement of iron is useful in the differential diagnosis of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, possible sideroblastic anemia, & iron poisoning. Total iron-binding capacity in serum (TIBC), representing transferrin concentration in iron-binding capacity, is a useful index of nutritional iron status. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a decreased serum Fe, increased TIBC and/or transferrin, & a decreased transferrin saturation.
Serum iron is increased in hemosiderosis, hemolytic anemias, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemias, hepatitis, acute hepatic necrosis, hemochromatosis, inappropriate iron therapy & iron poisoning. Serum iron is decreased in cases of insufficient dietary iron, chronic blood loss, inadequate absorption of iron, impaired release of iron stores (commonly observed in inflammation), infection, & chronic diseases.
Increases
Decreases
Specimen
No special patient preparation is required.
For serum preparation collect whole blood & allow to clot according to manufacturer's instructions. Specimens are collected in a red top vacutainer by venipuncture & should be separated form the cell immediately after collection.
If analysis cannot be performed on the day of collection, refrigerate the sample at 2-8 degrees C. Samples are stable for 7 days when refrigerated. For longer term storage, samples should be frozen at -2 degrees C for no longer than 3 months.
Minimum sample size 1.0 milliliter: with an optimum size of 2.0 milliliters or larger.
Interferences
More general terms
Additional terms
Component of
- iron studies
- iron saturation in serum/plasma
- iron/total iron binding capacity in serum
- iron/hemochromatosis panel
References
- ↑ Kodak Ektachem 700 Analyzer Operator's Manual, Kodak Clinical Products, Rochester, New York.
- ↑ Kodak Ektachem Slide Package Inserts, Kodak Clinical Products Rochester, New York.
- ↑ Kodak Ektachem Training Manual, Kodak Clinical Products, Rochester, New York.
- ↑ J & S Iron Saturating Reagent Package Insert, J & S Medical Associates, Inc., 19 Strathmore Road, Natick, MA 01670, Kodak & Ektachem Trademarks.
- ↑ Panel of 4 tests Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: http://www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/0020420.jsp