Iron Panel (Iron, Transferrin Saturation, TIBC, UIBC)

Diagnostic Blood Test: Iron Iron (Transferrin) Saturation % Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC) Unsaturated Iron-binding Capacity (UIBC) Iron: Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without enough iron, the body can’t make hemoglobin, leading to anemia. However, excessive levels of iron can become toxic to cells and damage organs.Iron Saturation: Within the bloodstream, iron is attached to transferrin, a protein that helps carry iron to organs and tissues. This test measures the amount of iron bound to transferrin. It can indicate whether iron stores in the body are sufficient and whether adequate iron is being transported around the body.TIBC: Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) measures the amount of transferrin available to bind with iron. An abnormal TIBC may point to health conditions like anemia, inflammation, nutrition deficiencies, or liver disease. UIBC: Unsaturated iron-binding c