The amount of iron that is within a person’s blood is an important measurement to have. Iron levels may be too low or too high and each has health consequences as a result of an abnormal reading. The FE TIBC blood test measures the total iron-binding capacity that is present within the blood. Used with a serum iron test, the FE TIBC blood test may also be ordered in conjunction with a complete blood count.
Why Is the FE TIBC Blood Test Ordered?
The most common reason why this blood test is ordered is because anemia is suspected. This means weakness, dizziness, headaches, and chronic levels of fatigue have been ongoing for some time. Iron levels in this circumstance will be low. If anemia is present, then the TIBC levels will be high.
High levels of iron can result in weight loss, chronic fatigue, and joint pain. The TIBC blood test results are important in this circumstance because the high iron levels will be combined with either low or normal TIBC levels. It is relatively easy to overdose on iron. Taking too many supplements or vitamins with iron in them is enough to cause iron poisoning. If this is suspected, the TIBC test will be ordered to confirm it.
If you have a high TIBC result: Iron deficiency is not the only cause of a high TIBC test result. Women who are pregnant or are regularly using oral contraceptives will also have results that are high.
If you have a low TIBC result: Malnutrition is the most common reason why TIBC results will be below normal. It can also be low if there is inflammation within the body somewhere, such as with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Liver disease, anemia that occurs when iron accumulates, and kidney disease can also cause this result.
You may be asked to fast for up to 12 hours if this blood test has been ordered. Only water would be allowed if your doctor orders this. If there have been recent blood transfusions, however, the test results are likely to be skewed.
What Is Transferrin?
Transferrin is a protein that takes the iron in the body and binds it to the blood. The goal is to transport the iron to the parts of the body that need it. Most of the iron is eventually sent to the bone marrow because it uses the iron to create hemoglobin. High levels of transferrin, which the TIBC will measure, can indicate that there is a problem with the liver, as it shows the total amount of iron that can be binded. Up to 40% of the transferrin sites a person has will be used to transport iron in healthy individuals.
Low levels of transferrin can also be an indication that liver disease is present. There may also not be enough protein in a person’s diet to cause low levels of transferrin.
What Can Be Done To Prevent the Need For This Test?
The FE TIBC blood test may be ordered as part of a routine panel to evaluate health. It may also be ordered when iron issues are suspected. Although some people may have issues with iron absorption and transfer because of the presence of disease, the most common issue is a lack of a healthy diet.
People who follow a vegan lifestyle in particular are at a higher risk of developing the need for the FE TIBC blood test. Protein can come from many sources, including beans, so having at least 3 ounces of protein in every meal is important for healthy transferrin and iron levels.
Those who are not eating foods that have iron in them are also at risk. Avoiding enriched flours, cereals, and other products that may be infused with iron could lead to unintentional malnutrition.
Taking vitamins and supplements daily also puts someone at a higher risk of needing this blood test, but for the opposite reason. Too much iron can also be problematic and the FE TIBC test will determine if a person’s iron intake needs to be reduced for some reason.
Most people are going to have a normal result when this test is ordered. Only when the symptoms of anemia or too much iron are present will this test typically be ordered, though some doctors may use it for general health. Follow the fasting, use this guide to help understand the results, and you’ll know what your FE TIBC blood test results mean.