Common Iron Bonding Capacity (TIBC)

TIBC - Ability to bond iron together - Is a laboratory test that allows to determine the degree of iron saturation of serum. Most often it is used to diagnose and monitor various types of anemia, mainly iron deficiency anemia.

Iron is an essential nutrient that, among other functions, is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). It is an important component of hemoglobin and is required for the functioning of many enzymes and coenzymes. The total amount of iron in the human body is 3-3,5 g. Of these, 2,5 g are contained in red blood cells and their precursors.

Once ingested, iron is absorbed into the intestinal epithelium and temporarily stored in enterocytes. Ferritin with face. When needed by the body, it is excreted into the bloodstream, where protein is transported Transferrin with the help of. The latter is produced by the liver and regulates the process of iron absorption into the blood. Each transferrin molecule has two sites of ferritin binding. Normally, only a third of the transferrin binding sites are occupied.

Unsaturated Iron Binding Capability (UIBC) - Determines the reserve capacity of transferrin, ie the part of transferrin that is not yet saturated with iron. Common Iron Bonding Capacity (TIBC) Even represents the total amount of iron that can be bound to proteins in the blood. Because transferrin is the primary iron-binding protein, the TIBC test is an indirect measure of the availability of transferrin - the amount of transferrin available to bind to iron.

When should we take the test TIBCAt?

The test may be scheduled in conjunction with other iron tests when the results of a routine total blood count (CBC) show that human hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are low and red blood cells are smaller and paler than normal (microcytic and hypochromic), indicating iron deficiency.

The test can be scheduled when a person develops signs and symptoms of anemia, such as:

• Chronic fatigue;
• Dizziness;
• Weakness;
• headache;
• Pale skin;
• Accelerated heartbeat and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity;
• Problem of concentration;
• Convulsions, tingling in the extremities;
• Insomnia.

Testing may be scheduled when there is a suspicion of iron overload. Signs and symptoms of iron overload are individual and worsen over time. They are caused by the accumulation of iron in the blood and tissues. Symptoms and signs may include:

• Pain in the joints
• Fatigue, weakness
• Lose weight
• Lack of energy
• stomach-ache
• Loss of sexual desire
• Organ damage (heart and / or liver)

Testing is also prescribed when iron poisoning is suspected (most common in children).

The purpose of the test is:

• Differentiation of different types of anemia;
• Evaluation of iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia;
• Diagnosis of iron overload and hemochromatosis.

How to prepare for the test?

Testing is essential Fasting.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

TIBC Increases in the following cases:

• Iron deficiency
• Pregnancy
• Oral contraceptives
• Acute or chronic bleeding
• Acute hepatitis

TIBC Decreases in the following cases:

• Chronic inflammatory diseases
• Malignant tumors
• Hemochromatosis
• cirrhosis of the liver
• Kidney disease
• Thalassemia
• Hypoproteinemia (malnutrition, burns),
• Hyperthyroidism

Resources

https://www.synevo.ro/shop/capacitatea-totala-de-legare-a-fierului-ctlf/

https://www.synevo.bg/tzhsk-tibc/

https://www.testing.com/tests/transferrin-and-iron-binding-capacity-tibc-uibc/