Turnaround Time
Test not available. Transferrin and Transferrin saturation now measured in the iron test profileUnsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)
General Information
From 06.07.2020 this test is no longer available. Transferrin is now used to calculate percent iron binding capacity
Iron binding capacity measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of anaemias. Serum iron is carried by binding to the transport protein, Transferrin. The measurement of the maximum concentration of iron that Transferrin can bind is called the Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC). Normally, only about one third of the iron binding sites of Transferrin are occupied by Fe (III); therefore, serum has considerable reserve iron binding capacity. This is called the serum Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC). Total Iron Binding Capacity equals the Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity plus serum iron: TIBC = UIBC + Serum Iron.
Transferrin saturation and UIBC have equal reliability in ability to predict hemochromatosis. From 06.07.2020 transferrin and transferrin stauration are now measured as part of the iron profile instead of UIBC.
Patient Preparation
None
Notes
Haemolysis and Lipaemia cause interference in this assay
Reference Range
UIBC: 12-43 µmol/L (Males), 13-56 µmol/L (Females)
(Source : Abbott Diagnostics)
TIBC: 45-72 µmol/L (TIBC = Iron + UIBC)
For diagnostic purposes, UIBC should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examinations and other findings.
Source of Reference Range
Abbott Arcitect kit insertSpecifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
-
EQA Status:
NEQAS