The formula for Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) is: UIBC = TIBC - Serum Iron.
Understanding UIBC
UIBC, or Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity, is a measure of the amount of transferrin in the blood that is not currently bound to iron. Transferrin is a protein responsible for transporting iron throughout the body. The UIBC test helps determine how much more iron could be bound by transferrin.
UIBC Formula Explained
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| UIBC | Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity |
| TIBC | Total Iron Binding Capacity (maximum iron transferrin can bind) |
| Serum Iron | The amount of iron currently bound to transferrin in serum |
In essence, the formula subtracts the amount of iron already attached to transferrin (Serum Iron) from the total amount of iron that transferrin could potentially carry (TIBC). The result is the UIBC, which indicates the "unsaturated" or available iron-binding capacity.
