Iron, TIBC, Transferrin Saturation, Iron Profile

Clinical Chemistry

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Description

Iron is a metal ion essential for red blood cells. Iron deficiency leads to anaemia and iron overload can damage a number of organs in the body. Iron: Measures the concentration of iron the serum. Ferritin is a better marker of iron deficiency as ferritin falls before serum iron. Unfortunately, ferritin is an acute phase reactant, and results are difficult to interpret in infection or inflammation. It is also a more expensive test than the iron profile. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): Is a measure of all the proteins in the serum which transport iron, principally transferrin. When iron stores are low more transferrin is produced. Usually about one third of the transferrin binding sites are used to transport iron. Unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), not reported: Is a measure of the additional iron which can be transported in the blood. UIBC is raised in iron deficiency and low in iron overload. Transferrin saturation %: A calculation which represents the percentage of transferrin saturated with iron. It is low in iron deficiency and high in iron overload. Calculation = Iron/(Iron + UIBC)*100

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Indications

1. Investigation of cause of high ferritin. 2. Conditions where iron overload is a potential complication (eg. multiple blood transfusions). 3. Overdose of iron tablets. 4. Investigation of anaemia.

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Sample Type

Serum, SST/Gel, minimum 2ml (1ml separated serum).

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Reference Range

Reference ranges are provided on the report. Alternatively, please contact the laboratory for current ranges.

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Turnaround Time

Within 1 day

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Testing Frequency

As required

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Patient Preparation

Ideally, patient should be fasting, or several hours post-prandial. Avoid measurement when patient taking ferrous supplements (saturation may be raised).

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.