UIBC
Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) measures the reserve capacity of transferrin to bind additional iron. It equals TIBC minus serum iron.
Category: Iron Studies
Also known as: uibc, unsaturated iron binding capacity, unsaturated iron-binding capacity, latent iron binding capacity
Reference range: 111–343 µg/dL (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: µg/dL
High values may indicate
High UIBC may indicate iron deficiency, as more transferrin binding sites are available to capture iron.
Low values may indicate
Low UIBC may indicate iron overload (hemochromatosis), chronic inflammation, or liver disease.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal UIBC level?
- A typical reference range for UIBC is 111–343 µg/dL (source: ABIM). Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, so always compare against the range on your own lab report.
- What units is UIBC measured in?
- UIBC is most commonly reported in µg/dL. Labs in different countries may use other units — you can convert between them with BloodId's blood test unit converter.
- Where do UIBC reference ranges come from?
- BloodId uses ABIM standard reference ranges and educational information from MedlinePlus (see our methodology). Reference ranges still vary by lab, age, and sex, so always compare against your own report.
- Can I track UIBC over time?
- Yes. Upload results from any lab and BloodId charts your UIBC over time against its reference range, so you can see whether the trend is rising, falling, or stable.