Iron, Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity Blood Test
Compare labs
| Feature |
Labcorp
|
Quest Diagnostics
|
|---|---|---|
| Price | Coming soon | $8.49 |
| Results in | — | ~5 business days |
| Sample type | — | Blood Serum |
| Require fasting | — | No |
About the test
This test checks for iron levels and the body's capacity to bind iron, helping to identify conditions like anemia or hemochromatosis. It helps doctors tell the difference between low iron levels due to a lack of iron and those caused by other health issues. The test looks at how much iron is attached to a protein called transferrin and calculates how much transferrin could carry iron if it was fully loaded. This gives doctors important information about iron in the body, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions related to too little or too much iron.
Who might consider it:
This test might be recommended if you show signs of having either too much or too little iron.
Low Iron Symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Feeling cold
- Frequent illnesses
- Swollen tongue
- Developmental delays in children
Included biomarkers & Reference ranges
| Biomarker | Reference range |
|---|---|
| Iron % Saturation The percentage of transferrin (your iron-carrying protein) that's currently occupied by iron — a key marker for detecting iron deficiency or overload. | — |
| Iron, Total Measures the iron circulating in your blood, used along with other markers (like ferritin and TIBC) to evaluate for iron deficiency or overload. | — |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Total Iron-Binding Capacity — reflects how much transferrin (the iron-carrying protein) is available in your blood, used with iron and ferritin to evaluate iron status. | — |
Reference ranges vary by lab, age, and sex (M/F). Your report shows your exact range. Click any biomarker to see its optimal range and what your results mean.
Preparation
- Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia.
- Fast up to 12 hours before your appointment.
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
How it works
- 1. Order online No referral or insurance
- 2. Get a requisition By email in 24–72 hours
- 3. Visit a draw center Bring a matching photo ID
- 4. Get results Securely by email
- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
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