What's the difference between this test and a ferritin test?

This panel shows your *circulating* iron and transport capacity - like checking cash flow. Ferritin shows your iron *stores* - like checking your savings account. For a complete picture, many people test both. Low ferritin with normal iron/TIBC means you're depleting your reserves.

Why does this test require fasting?

Serum iron levels spike significantly after eating, especially iron-rich foods. Fasting ensures you get an accurate baseline reading. TIBC is less affected by food but fasting is still recommended for the complete panel.

What does high TIBC mean?

High TIBC means your body has increased its iron-carrying capacity - usually because it's trying to grab more iron due to deficiency. Think of it as your body creating more 'delivery trucks' because there's not enough iron to transport. High TIBC + low iron = classic iron deficiency pattern.

Can I have normal iron but still be deficient?

Yes. Serum iron fluctuates throughout the day and can appear normal even when stores are depleted. That's why iron saturation and TIBC are valuable - they show the full picture. Someone with 'normal' iron but high TIBC and low saturation is likely deficient.

What if my saturation is high?

Iron saturation above 45% (especially above 60%) may indicate hemochromatosis, a genetic condition causing iron overload. This is treatable but requires monitoring. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing (HFE gene) and additional liver function tests.

💊 Vitamins & Minerals

Iron & TIBC Blood Test - Complete Iron Status Panel

Name: Iron & TIBC Blood Test - Complete Iron Status Panel
Brand: Justlabs
SKU: 0007573
Price: 9 USD
Availability: InStock

Iron & TIBC

This test measures your circulating iron, your body's iron-carrying capacity (TIBC), and iron saturation percentage - giving you a complete picture of how your body handles iron.

The Iron & TIBC panel provides a comprehensive assessment of your iron status by measuring three related markers. Unlike ferritin (which shows stored iron), this panel reveals how much iron is actively available in your bloodstream and whether your body has adequate capacity to transport it.

Serum Iron shows the amount of iron currently circulating in your blood. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) measures how much transferrin (the iron transport protein) is available to carry iron. Iron Saturation is calculated from these values and shows what percentage of your iron-carrying capacity is being used.

Together, these markers help distinguish between different types of iron problems - from simple deficiency to chronic disease anemia to iron overload conditions.

Price

Results

1-2 days

Lab Network

Quest

Fasting

8+ hrs

What's Measured

Iron

TIBC

Iron Saturation

What This Test Measures

This panel measures three iron-related markers:

Serum Iron: The amount of iron circulating in your blood (normal: 60-170 mcg/dL)
TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity): How much transferrin protein is available to transport iron (normal: 250-370 mcg/dL). High TIBC indicates your body is "hungry" for iron.
Iron Saturation: Percentage of transferrin that's carrying iron (optimal: 25-45%). Calculated as (Iron ÷ TIBC) × 100.

Low iron + high TIBC + low saturation = iron deficiency. Low iron + low TIBC = chronic disease or inflammation. High iron + high saturation = possible iron overload.

Who Should Consider This Test

Anyone investigating fatigue, weakness, or suspected iron issues. Particularly useful for women with heavy periods, vegetarians/vegans, frequent blood donors, athletes (especially runners), people with digestive conditions affecting absorption, and those monitoring iron supplementation. Also important for ruling out hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload) when saturation is elevated.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

Iron deficiencyIron deficiency anemiaHemochromatosisChronic disease anemiaThalassemiaSideroblastic anemiaLead poisoning

Related Symptoms

FatigueWeaknessPale skinShortness of breathDizzinessCold hands and feetBrittle nailsHeadachesDifficulty concentratingRapid heartbeat

When to Get Tested

Fasting for 8-12 hours is required for accurate results - iron levels fluctuate significantly after eating. Morning testing is ideal since iron levels are highest in the morning and decline throughout the day. Avoid iron supplements for 24 hours before testing if checking baseline levels.

Fasting Required

This test requires fasting for accurate results. Please follow these instructions:

Do not eat or drink anything except water for 8-12 hours before your blood draw.
Water is allowed and encouraged - stay hydrated!
Schedule your lab visit in the morning for convenience.
Continue taking any prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Understanding Your Results

Iron Saturation is the most useful marker for quick interpretation:

Below 20%: Suggests iron deficiency - combine with ferritin for complete picture
20-45%: Normal range
Above 45%: May indicate iron overload - warrants further investigation
Above 60%: Strongly suggestive of hemochromatosis

Note that iron levels alone can be misleading - always interpret alongside TIBC and saturation. Inflammation can lower serum iron while masking true deficiency.

What to Expect

After placing your order, you'll receive an email from Rupa Health (our lab order partner) within 24 business hours to sign a consent form and schedule your blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics location.

The blood draw typically takes just a few minutes. Results are usually available within 1-2 business days and will appear in your secure Justlabs dashboard.

Our results include reference ranges and easy-to-understand indicators showing whether your values are within normal limits.