What is TIBC?
TIBC or total iron-binding capacity is a blood test ordered when a patient is thought to have high or low iron levels. If iron levels are higher than normal, TIBC levels will be low. If iron levels are lower than normal, TIBC levels will be high. TIBC testing is part of a series of tests that may be ordered to determine liver health. If liver disease is suspected, transferrin, UIBC and other tests are commonly ordered.
TIBC levels rise during pregnancy, so higher than normal levels are to be expected during prenatal blood screenings. Conditions that may affect TIBC level include iron deficiency, chronic illness, hemochromatosis, hemolytic anemia and sideroblastic anemia.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: 228 to 428 µg/dL or 40.8 to 76.7 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 235 to 408 µg/dL or 42 to 73 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 302 to 519 µg/dL or 54 to 93 µmol/L
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 380 to 597 µg/dL or 68 to 107 µmol/L