Other names: Total Iron Binding Capacity, Iron Bind.Cap, Iron Bind.Cap.(TIBC), CALC TOTAL IBC
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test that measures the amount of iron that can be bound by proteins in your blood—primarily transferrin, the main protein responsible for transporting iron. This test is commonly ordered alongside serum iron, unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), and ferritin to help evaluate iron status and detect iron deficiency or iron overload.
How It Works
Iron travels through the bloodstream attached to transferrin. Your body produces transferrin based on how much iron it needs:
When iron levels are low, the liver makes more transferrin to increase iron transport capacity.
When iron levels are high, transferrin production decreases since less iron transport is needed.
Normally, about one-third of transferrin’s binding sites are occupied by iron, leaving additional capacity for more iron if needed.
TIBC represents the total capacity of transferrin to bind iron (both occupied and unoccupied sites).
UIBC represents the unused capacity of transferrin to bind additional iron.
Together, TIBC = Serum Iron + UIBC.
Some laboratories measure transferrin directly, while others calculate TIBC or UIBC to assess the same physiological process.
Why It’s Ordered
TIBC is typically tested when a healthcare provider suspects an iron imbalance, such as:
Iron deficiency anemia (low iron stores)
Iron overload disorders, such as hemochromatosis or chronic liver disease
It is often performed along with a complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin test.
Low TIBC may indicate:
Chronic illness or inflammation
Liver disease (reduced transferrin production)
Iron overload (excess stored iron suppresses transferrin)
Malnutrition or protein deficiency
High TIBC may indicate:
Iron deficiency (increased transferrin production)
Pregnancy (naturally elevated transferrin levels)
Acute or chronic blood loss
Common Symptoms That May Prompt Testing
Possible signs of iron deficiency anemia:
Fatigue and weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches
Pale or sallow skin
Shortness of breath
Cold hands and feet
Possible signs of iron overload:
Joint pain
Fatigue or low energy
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain
Reduced sex drive
Hair loss
Irregular heartbeat or other heart problems
Summary
TIBC helps your healthcare provider assess how efficiently your blood can transport iron and whether your body has too little or too much of it. By interpreting TIBC results alongside serum iron and ferritin, clinicians gain a clearer picture of your overall iron metabolism and can identify early signs of anemia or iron overload before more serious complications develop.
Your medical lab tests hold vital information about your health. Our tools help you understand what's going on and how to take action.
Cancel or upgrade anytime
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) measures how well your blood can bind and transport iron through transferrin, a protein produced by the liver.
When TIBC levels are elevated, it typically means your body is trying to compensate for low iron stores—a hallmark of iron deficiency anemia or other conditions that affect iron metabolism.
1. Iron Deficiency Anemia
When iron levels are low, the liver increases transferrin production to capture more iron from the bloodstream, which raises TIBC.
Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath.
2. Pregnancy
Increased blood volume and iron demand for fetal growth naturally elevate TIBC levels.
Symptoms: Fatigue, higher dietary iron needs.
3. Oral Contraceptive Use
Estrogen-containing medications can mildly raise TIBC due to hormonal effects on liver protein production.
Symptoms: Usually none; detected incidentally during lab testing.
4. Chronic Blood Loss
Ongoing blood loss (e.g., from heavy menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding) depletes iron stores, prompting higher TIBC.
Symptoms: Fatigue, pale skin, symptoms of the underlying bleeding source.
5. Liver Disease
Some liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can alter transferrin synthesis, leading to variable changes in TIBC.
Symptoms: Fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice.
6. Hyperproteinemia
Rarely, increased total blood protein levels (as seen in multiple myeloma) can indirectly raise TIBC.
Symptoms: Depend on the underlying condition, such as bone pain or weakness.
Treatment focuses on correcting the underlying cause and restoring iron balance:
Iron Deficiency Anemia:
Oral or IV iron supplementation
Iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, spinach, lentils) plus vitamin C to improve absorption
Identifying and treating sources of blood loss
Pregnancy:
Prenatal vitamins with iron
Monitoring iron and ferritin levels throughout pregnancy
Chronic Blood Loss:
Managing the bleeding source (ulcers, polyps, heavy menstruation)
Replenishing iron stores through diet or supplements
Liver Disease:
Treating the underlying liver disorder (e.g., antiviral therapy for hepatitis)
Monitoring liver and iron-related markers
Medication or Hormone Use:
Discuss alternatives with a healthcare provider if oral contraceptives or hormone therapies affect iron markers.
Although uncommon, both TIBC and serum iron may be elevated in:
Hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload)
Iron overload from supplementation or transfusions
Certain liver diseases or sideroblastic anemia
Your healthcare provider will review ferritin, transferrin saturation, and a complete blood count (CBC) to identify the specific cause.
A high TIBC usually signals low iron availability or increased iron demand. Interpreting it alongside serum iron and ferritin helps determine whether your body is deficient, overloaded, or adjusting iron transport due to another condition. Regular monitoring and treatment guided by a healthcare professional can help restore a healthy iron balance and prevent long-term complications.
Anthony
Unlimited Plan Member since 2021
I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.
Karin
Advanced Plan Member since 2020
What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!
Paul
Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024
As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!
A low TIBC result means your blood has less capacity to bind and transport iron, often due to reduced production of transferrin—the main iron-carrying protein made by the liver. This finding can indicate a range of underlying health conditions.
Hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload)
Chronic inflammation or infection
Liver disease (reduced transferrin production)
Malnutrition or low protein intake
Kidney disorders, such as nephrotic syndrome
Certain types of anemia, including hemolytic or chronic disease anemia
A TIBC value below ~240 µg/dL often suggests that there’s too much iron in the blood or that transferrin production is reduced.
Liver damage or hepatitis
Iron overload (hemochromatosis)
Lead poisoning
Frequent blood transfusions
Hemolytic or sickle cell anemia
When TIBC is low but iron is normal, it usually means iron transport or regulation is impaired, not necessarily that iron intake is too high or too low.
Possible explanations include:
Chronic Inflammation or Chronic Disease
Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or chronic infections can reduce TIBC.
Iron may be present but trapped in storage, a hallmark of anemia of chronic disease (anemia of inflammation).
Malnutrition or Protein Deficiency
TIBC depends on transferrin, which requires sufficient dietary protein for production.
Low protein intake or liver dysfunction can lower transferrin levels even if iron is adequate.
Iron Overload Conditions
In hemochromatosis or after repeated blood transfusions, the body decreases transferrin production to limit further iron uptake.
Kidney Disease (Nephrotic Syndrome)
Protein loss through urine, including transferrin, reduces the blood’s ability to transport iron.
Medication Effects
Certain drugs, such as estrogen therapy or corticosteroids, can influence transferrin synthesis and lower TIBC.
When both TIBC and transferrin are low, this usually reflects a reduction in the liver’s ability to produce transferrin, rather than a problem with iron levels themselves. This pattern can be seen in:
Liver disease, which impairs transferrin production
Malnutrition or protein deficiency, reducing the building blocks needed to make transferrin
Chronic inflammation or illness, where transferrin production is suppressed as part of the body’s immune response
Even if iron levels are normal, low transferrin means less iron transport capacity, leading to a reduced TIBC. To determine the cause, healthcare providers often order ferritin, liver function tests, and inflammatory markers alongside TIBC and transferrin.
A low TIBC result often reflects how your body is managing iron transport, rather than just total iron levels. It can signal chronic inflammation, liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or iron overload.
Interpreting TIBC together with serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin levels helps identify whether the issue lies in iron storage, transport, or metabolism, guiding more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Guiding our users for 10 years to promptly understand, track, and act on their laboratory results.
$15/month
Cancel your subscription at any time.
$250/once
full premium version
$45/month
track your clients’ labs
Cancel your subscription at any time.
Guiding our users for 10 years to promptly understand, track, and act on their laboratory results.
Personal plans
track personal results
Professional Plan
track multiple client's results
$15/month
$250/once
own it for life
$45/month
for health professionals
Complete Plan
Unlimited Plan
$15 / month
$250 full version
Are you a health professional?
Level up your lab report analysis with our Pro plan, built for health practitioners like you.
Health Business Account
$45/month
Cancel your subscription at any time.
Unlock additional Pro plans when you sign up.
Anthony
Unlimited Plan Member since 2021
I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.
Karin
Advanced Plan Member since 2020
What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!
Paul
Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024
As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!
Healthmatters is a highly-personalized health dashboard.
Instead of searching for your lab results in different places or tracking them down from different providers, Healthmatters houses, organizes, and interprets them all in one central location.
With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere.
For our professional users, Healthmatters provides intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history.
Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:
You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.
If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.
While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.
It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.
If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.
There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."
Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.
For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.
We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.
Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.
Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.
For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.
Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.
Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.
The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.
For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.
Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.
You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.
Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.
Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.
We’ve crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.
1. Graph View:Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.
2. All Tests ViewExplore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.
3. Table View:For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.
Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.
Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.
Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.
Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.
A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.
The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.
To learn more about Healthmatters Pro, please refer to the professional page.
At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.
11dhTxB2/Creatinine (AspirinWorks), Absolute Reticulocytes, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Phenotype, Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, Serum, Ammonia, Angiotensin-1-Converting Enzyme, Beta-2 Glycoprotein I Ab, IgA, Beta-2 Glycoprotein I, IgG, Beta-2 Glycoprotein I, IgM, Bicarbonate (HCO3), Serum, Blood Type, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac, Carboxyhemoglobin, blood, Clauss fibrinogen level, Copper, Serum or Plasma, Copper, WB, CRP/ESR Ratio, Cryoglobulin, Ql, Serum, Rflx, D-Dimer, D-Dimer, Quantitative, Delta Aminolevulinic Acid, Urine, 24 Hour, Erythropoietin (EPO), Serum, F2-Isoprostane, Factor IX Activity, Factor V Leiden Mutation, Factor VII Activity, Factor VIII Activity, Factor X Activity, Factor XI Activity, Ferritin, Ferritin (female range), Fibrinogen Activity, Fibrinogen Antigen, Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD), Quantitative, Glutathione; Erythrocytes, Haptoglobin, Hemoglobin A, Hemoglobin F, Immatue Reticulocyte Fraction, Immature Platelet Fraction, Immature Retic Fraction, Iron, IRON (Serum), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH or LD), Large Unstained Cells (LUC), Large Unstained Cells (Percent), Macrocytosis, Magnesium, RBC, Nucleated RBC (NRBC) (%), Nucleated red blood cell (NRBC), OxPL-apoB1, PBG Deaminase, WB, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) Activity, Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgA), Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgG), Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgM), Plateletcrit (PCT), Polychromasia, Porphobilinogen Deaminase, Whole Blood, Porphyrins, Total Serum, PTT-LA Ratio, PTT-LA Screen, Retic Hgb Equivalent, Reticulocyte Count, Reticulocyte hemoglobin, Reticulocyte, Absolute, Sickle Cell Screen, Stomatocytes, Thrombin Antithrombin Complex, Thrombocytes, Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), Transferrin, Transferrin Receptor, Transferrin saturation (Iron Saturation), UIBC, VWF GPIbM Activity, Whole Blood Lactate
