Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) Analysis
Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) is a blood test that measures the reserve capacity of transferrin, a protein that binds and transports iron in the blood, which is not currently bound to iron. UIBC, when combined with serum iron, helps determine the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), providing a comprehensive view of the body's ability to bind and transport iron.
Reference Range:
Normal Range: 150 to 375 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).
Management of UIBC levels involves either iron supplementation to address deficiency when UIBC is high, or reducing iron intake and possibly using chelation therapy or phlebotomy to treat iron overload when UIBC is low. It is vital to address any underlying conditions that influence iron levels, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or chronic diseases, to stabilize iron within the body. UIBC Analysis serves as a key diagnostic tool, essential for understanding and managing the body's iron-binding capacity and overall iron metabolism, thus guiding targeted treatment strategies for conditions associated with abnormal iron levels.
