Test Name: TIBC, Blood
Specimen Type: Serum
Specimen Required: 3-5 Cc Yellow Top Gel Vial
Day Performed: Daily
Reporting Time: 8 Hours STAT Reporting Time: 120 MINUTES
Methodology: Beckman Coulter AU480
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
TIBC is usually higher than normal when the body’s iron supplies are low. This can occur with:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Pregnancy (late)
Lower-than-normal TIBC may mean:
- Anemia due to red blood cells being destroyed too quickly (hemolytic anemia)
- Lower-than-normal level of protein in the blood (hypoproteinemia)
- Inflammation
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis
- Malnutrition
- Decrease in red blood cells from the intestines not properly absorbing vitamin B12 (pernicious anemia)
- Sickle cell anemia
References:
- Brittenham GM. Disorders of iron homeostasis: iron deficiency and overload. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018: chap 36.
- Markell M, Siddiqi HA. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 27.