A total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin test is a kind of blood work that determines whether your blood contains too many or too few irons. Iron is abundant in every cell in the human body. Your diet provides you with the iron you require. Eggs, beans, leafy green vegetables, shellfish, chicken, and whole grains are all excellent sources of iron.
Iron is delivered into your blood by specific protein transferrin, which is made by the liver. This test determine how efficiently transferrin transports iron through your bloodstream.
What Is The Purpose Of Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) And Transferrin Test?
Physicians commonly conduct this test to test for medical problems that produce unusual iron levels. This test is required if you are suffering from paleness, weakness, exhaustion, coldness, increased infections, delayed mental development, difficulties concentrating, or a swollen tongue.
How Should You Prepare For A Total Iron-Binding Capacity Test (TIBC) And Transferrin Test?
To get the best exact results, you must be fasting. It implies that you should be fasting for at least 8 hours before taking this test. Certain drugs can influence the result of a TIBC test, so notify your physician if you’re using any medication or OTC medications.
Before the procedure, your physician may advise you to stop using specific medications. Nevertheless, you should see your doctor before discontinuing any of them. The following drugs may have an impact on the test results:
- Fluorides
- Birth control medications
- ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone
- Chloramphenicol
How To Perform Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) And Transferrin Test?
A serum iron test, which examines the iron level in the blood, may be performed in conjunction with a TIBC test. These tests, used alone, can assist your doctor in deciding if you have an abnormally high level of iron in the blood. A little amount of blood is taken for the tests. An artery in the hand or the elbow is commonly used to draw blood. Following are the steps that will take place:
- After cleaning the skin with an antiseptic, a medical worker will wrap an elastic band over your arm. This will allow your veins to expand with blood.
- They’ll inject the needle after they’ve found a vein. When the needle is inserted, you might expect a minor prickling or stinging feeling. The test, on the other hand, is not unpleasant.
- After that, the blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
