Iron and blood status
What is TIBC?
your blood's total capacity to carry iron
- Unit
- µmol/L
- Sample
- Serum
- Fasting
- No fasting needed
- Turnaround
- 2 days
TIBC measures the total ability of the blood to bind iron to transferrin. It is high in iron deficiency and low in iron overload or inflammation.
TIBC reflects transferrin levels and is used with serum iron to calculate transferrin saturation. It is especially useful where direct transferrin measurement is not available.
What does low TIBC mean?
Low TIBC appears with chronic inflammation and liver disease.
What does high TIBC mean?
High TIBC suggests iron deficiency.
Panels that measure TIBC
- Performance Test Base
- Performance Test Plus
- Iron Test Complete
- Performance Test Complete
More markers in the same area
Launching in Stockholm in 2026.
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This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: August 2026.