![]() Laboratory ranges for men and women are generally in the about 240-450 μg/dL but there can be significant variances between laboratories. This measurement indicates the potential capacity of transferrin molecules to bind with serum iron. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is often measured at the same time as serum iron. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Transferrin Saturation % (TS%) When laboratories measure serum iron they often also measure transferrin and calculate the percentage of transferrin molecules that are used to bind iron. In most people, about 25 – 35% of the transferrin contained in the serum is used to bind iron in transport. When laboratories test for SI, they are testing iron contained in plasma that is generally bound to transferrin. Although laboratory ranges vary, most provide male ranges of around 65 to 176 µg/dL and female ranges of 50 to 170 µg/dL. Generally men have higher levels of serum iron than women. When body iron stores increase above these relatively normal ratios, proportionally greater amounts of iron are stored in non-blood tissue in ferritin molecules or a complex called hemosiderin. Another 30% is stored in ferritin, a protein found throughout the body (although this percentage can be significantly higher or lower in cases of iron overload or deficiency), and a few percent in myoglobin, a protein specifically utilized by muscle cells. Most of the body’s iron (about 60%) is contained in hemoglobin, which is the essential oxygen carrying protein of the blood. Each molecule of transferrin can transport two molecules of iron to areas of the body that need this element. Iron contained in blood serum (or plasma) is normally bound to the protein transferrin. It’s very important to know the strength of your body’s natural defense system. This is a very important measure because even moderately elevated iron can trigger oxidative stress. One advantage of the Healthy-Iron proprietary panel called FeGGT LifePro™ is that it includes Gamma Glutamyl transferase (GGT), a liver enzyme that can provide information about your body’s antioxidant defenses. Test results will be delivered securely and directly to only the patient/customer, generally in PDF (portable document format), which can easily be shared with healthcare providers, caregivers, and iron educators. The sample will be analyzed by a CLIA approved laboratory. After receiving the voucher, patients can go to a conveniently located patient service center in their community and provide a blood sample drawn by a licensed phlebotomist. Tests will be authorized by a physician affiliated with our lab partner. ![]() ![]() How DTC works: In most cases test vouchers can be purchased online in 45 participating states and the District of Columbia. Among the ones IDI is associated with include Direct Labs in Monroe, Louisiana through an affiliate Health-e-Iron LLC, and Accessa Labs through an affiliate Both of these affiliates have a high level of knowledge about iron disorders. In the United States of America, some states prohibit this type of access and individuals ought to check the status of the law in their state. Iron Disorders Institute (IDI), is not a medical facility but recognizes the desire of individuals to utilize direct to consumer (DTC) blood tests. In some cases a person is not able to obtain these tests through their physician and may wish to order them directly. The most basic and essential tests to determine a person’s iron levels are: hemoglobin, serum iron (fasting is preferred, which is nothing by mouth after midnight and before lab work) total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) or unbound-iron binding capacity (UIBC), and serum ferritin.
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