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Total iron-binding capacity
How much iron all the transferrin in blood could bind. Rises in iron deficiency, falls in inflammation and iron overload.
Other names: Total iron-binding capacity, TIBCSection: Iron status
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortTIBC is a functional measure of transferrin: the maximum amount of iron the blood's transport proteins could bind. A typical adult guide is about 45–77 µmol/L (250–430 µg/dL). Together with serum iron it yields transferrin saturation.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Adults — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
about 45–77 µmol/L (250–430 µg/dL); the report's reference applies
Typical guide from international references (not a national standard); MedlinePlus describes TIBC within the iron panel qualitatively. The report's own interval applies. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter your result — we will show how it compares with a typical range. Match the units of the selected row.
Approximate comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference intervals vary by laboratory and method — check your report; result interpretation is done by a doctor.
What this marker is
In iron deficiency, empty transferrin molecules accumulate and TIBC rises; in inflammation and iron overload it falls. This makes TIBC a useful counterweight to serum iron.
The pair serum iron + TIBC gives transferrin saturation — a key figure for telling iron-deficiency anemia apart from anemia of chronic disease.
PregnancyA physiological rise in the second half of pregnancy.
When it is low
Anemia of chronic diseaseInflammation suppresses transferrin synthesis — TIBC falls despite normal iron stores.
Iron overloadIn hemochromatosis transferrin is saturated and spare binding capacity is small.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
InflammationPregnancyIron supplements beforehand
How to prepare
Morning fasting sample, 8–12 hours; drawn together with serum iron and ferritin.
When a retest makes sense
An abnormal result is rechecked with serum iron and ferritin after 4–6 weeks.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; a hematologist for abnormal results. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: TIBCTotal iron-binding capacityUIBC (related)
Units and conversion
Measured in: µmol/L
µmol/L=µg/dL
µg/dL = µmol/L × 5.585. Results are rounded to 2 decimal places.
Several markers on your report?
See how MedProtect explains results in the app: the whole report, a check of the recognized values, and a clear breakdown.
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