Total iron-binding capacity
(TIBC)

Sample type

Serum

Use

Screening for chronic iron overload diseases, particularly hereditary hemochromatosis

Precautions

fasting is preferred from 6-12 hours and before the start of any new treatment

Interfering factors

1. Many drugs affect test outcomes

2. Drugs that may cause increased iron include ethanol, estrogens, and oral contraceptives.

3. Drugs that may cause decreased iron include some antibiotics, aspirin, and testosterone.

4. Hemolysis of the blood sample interferes with testing.

5. Iron contamination of glassware used in testing can give high values.

6. Menstruation causes decreased iron; iron is elevated in the premenstrual period.

7. There is a diurnal variation in iron: normal values in the morning, lower in midafternoon, very low in the evening.

8. Serum iron and TIBC may be normal in iron-deficiency anemia if the Hb is >9.0 g/dL (or >90 g/L).

9. Lipemic specimens are not recommended since they may cause negative bias.

Pathological albumin levels more than 7 g/dl decrease the TIBC levels.

Pre analytical errors

1- Incorrect Analysis ordered

2- patients identification error

3- sample collection errors

Corrective action

1- Using appropriate technology.

2- Monitoring quality indicators in the lab.

3- Choosing appropriate products.

Post analytical errors

1- Report delayed

2- Not all requested tests done

3- Sharing the results of patients or writing the result incorrectly.

Corrective action

1- Done Accurate Reports after doing tests

2- Assure that the prescribed preventive maintenance for the instruments is performed

3- Attention when delivered the results of patient and write them in the reports

Reference Range

Men 291-430 micro g/dl

Women 274-497 micro g/dl