Iron, Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity

Quest Diagnostics

Sample type: Serum

Requires fasting: Yes

Phlebotomy required

Details

This test might be recommended for patients who how signs of too much or too little iron.

Biomarker summary

Iron, Total
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Iron % Saturation

Additional details

Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected

Details

Iron, Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity - 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.

What patients is this test right for?

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

What type of sample is required for this test?

1 mL serum. A blood draw is needed.

Test Resources https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq294

Average sample processing time

3–5 business days

Reference range

Iron, Total
Age Male (mcg/dL) Female (mcg/dL)
<1 Month 32-112 29-127
1-11 Months 27-109 25-126
1-3 Years 29-91 25-101
4-19 Years 27-164 27-164
20-29 Years 50-195 40-190
30-49 Years 50-180 40-190
≥50 Years 50-180 45-160

Iron Binding Capacity
Age Male mcg/dL (calc) Female mcg/dL (calc)
<1 Month 94-232 94-236
1-5 Months 116-322 89-311
6-11 Months 176-384 138-365
1-19 Years 271-448 271-448
≥20 Years 250-425 250-450

% Saturation
Age Male % (calc) Female % (calc)
<1 Year 10-48 12-45
1-12 Years 12-48 13-45
13-19 Years 16-48 15-45
≥20 Years 20-48 16-45

Health categories

Patient instructions

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.

Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:

Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)

Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
Collection Instructions:

Bring a valid ID.
Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.

Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide

Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy

Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
Collection Instructions: