Total iron-binding capacity
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a medical term referring to the maximum amount of iron that can be bound by proteins, primarily transferrin, in the blood. Pronounced as "toh-tuhl ahy-ern-bahynd-ing kuh-pas-i-tee", the term is often used in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia and iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis.
Etymology
The term is derived from the English words "total", "iron", "binding", and "capacity". "Total" comes from the Latin word "totus", meaning "whole" or "entire". "Iron" is derived from the Old English "iren", which is of unknown origin. "Binding" comes from the Old English "bindan", meaning "to bind", and "capacity" is derived from the Latin "capacitas", meaning "ability to hold".
Related Terms
- Transferrin: A protein that binds and transports iron in the blood.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: A condition characterized by a lack of iron, leading to insufficient production of healthy red blood cells.
- Hemochromatosis: A condition characterized by excessive absorption and storage of iron in the body.
- Serum Iron: The amount of iron present in the serum (liquid portion) of the blood.
- Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC): The portion of total iron-binding capacity that is not occupied by iron.
Usage
TIBC is often measured along with serum iron and transferrin saturation to evaluate people suspected of having either iron deficiency or iron overload. In iron deficiency anemia, TIBC is usually high, indicating that there is plenty of capacity for iron binding but not enough iron. In conditions of iron overload, TIBC is typically normal or low, indicating that the iron-binding capacity is fully or nearly fully occupied.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Total iron-binding capacity
- Wikipedia's article - Total iron-binding capacity
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