Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC; SI Units)

Iron and,TIBC, Fe and TIBC

Up to 24 hours

Colorimetric, Direct determination (FerroZine)

Accredited NRL Laboratory

Daily

The clinical utility of measuring iron and TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) lies in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, identifying iron overload (such as hemochromatosis), distinguishing anemia of chronic disease, and monitoring the safety and efficacy of iron therapy.

Results are reported in SI units (µmol/L)

Serum or Plasma

1 mL

Serum (SST; Gold Top or plain serum; Red Top) Lithium Heparin Plasma (Green Top)

Patients should avoid taking multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7) for 12 hours, and be fasted for 8 hours (but no more than 16 hours) prior to specimen collection.