Iron binding capacity is of two types, TIBC and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC). When iron stores are depleted, the transferrin levels increase in the blood. As only one-third of transferrin is saturated with iron, so the transferrin present in serum has an extra binding capacity (67%). This is unsaturated iron-binding capacity.
UIBC is used for the calculation of TIBC. TIBC = UIBC + iron
Elevated unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) may indicate iron deficiency in the diet or malabsorption of iron.
Decreased unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) may indicate iron overload states, hemochromatosis, chronic infection or illness, haemolytic anaemia, sideroblastic anaemia or iron toxicity.
5mL venous serum or plasma
Enfer Medical offers Direct Colorimetric technology for the quantitative assay for Unsaturated Iron-binding capacity (UIBC). This test is CE-IVD certified.
For clients using the Enfer Medical Client Portal, the Enfer Medical Patient Request Form (PRF) will be generated when you have completed your “Test Request” within the portal linked below.
Please note that samples suspected of containing high risk pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be clearly identified on the form and packed separately from other samples.
Results are available next working day.
This assay is available seven days a week.
The packaging/preparation of samples for delivery to the laboratory are required to be in adherence to all national regulations for the safe transport of biological materials. HSE guidance can be reviewed HERE.
There are specific packaging instructions and labelling requirements requiring triple packaging including:
Further information on the packaging/preparation of samples for delivery to the laboratory is contained within the Enfer Medical Laboratory User Manual which clients are provided with.
Specimens must be tested within 7 days of collection and stored at 2-8°C.
In addition to the packaging of samples, the transport/delivery of clinical samples to the laboratory is required to be in adherence to all national regulations for the safe transport of biological materials. Enfer Medical provides a fully compliant logistics service, aligned with clients’ testing requirements.
Prompt transport of specimens:
To ensure prompt testing of samples and release of results within the published test turnaround times, samples should arrive to the laboratory by 18:00. Test turnaround time is measured from receipt of the sample at the laboratory until the time the authorised results are reported to users.
In rare cases specimens may not be suitable for testing on arrival to the laboratory. In that case the sample will be rejected at the receipt stage and the service user will be notified immediately and an explanation as to why the sample could not be processed will be provided. Reasons why samples cannot be processed include but are not limited to:
Quantitative results for Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) are reported in numeric value in µmol/L. Please contact us for more information on the reference ranges used at Enfer Medical.
Following receipt at the Laboratory, results should be available on the next working day and will be reported to the referring clinician via the Enfer Medical Client Portal or in a format agreed with clients.
Established clients can login to the portal using the link above.
