Abnormal total iron binding capacity can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'needs attention' to 'life-threatening'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose abnormal total iron binding capacity, we could:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Cirrhosis Of The Liver | 96% | Confirm |
Iron Deficiency Anemia | 15% | Unlikely |
Hemochromatosis | 4% | Ruled out |
Iron, TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity). Unit: ug/dL [umol/L]
Possible responses:
→ Don't know→ Under 150 [26.9] → 150-239 [26.9-42.8] → 240-450 [42.9-80.6] (normal) → Over 450 [80.6] |
While low TIBC is commonly explained by the presence of hemochromatosis, it can also be caused by hypoproteinemia from malnutrition, anemia with infection and chronic disease, and nephrosis.
While TIBC is commonly elevated in cases of iron deficiency anemia, it is also increased through the use of oral contraceptives and in pregnancy, blood loss and acute liver damage.