TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

Fasting Required
CPT: 83550
Iron

What This Test Measures

Measures capacity of transferrin to bind iron; elevated in iron deficiency, decreased in iron overload.

Preparation

Fasting required (8-12 hours)
Fasting required (8–12 hours). Draw in the morning — iron levels follow a diurnal rhythm, peaking in the morning. Iron supplements should be discontinued 24–48 hours before testing per some guidelines (check with your provider).
💬 Patient Community Notes

PREP: Fast for 12 hours before the draw. Stop iron supplements for up to 5 days before testing (per STTM/Iron Institute guidance) for the most accurate picture. TIBC should be drawn alongside serum iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation as a complete panel — individual values in isolation can be misleading. The functional medicine community notes that TIBC in the low 300s is typical of optimal iron status. A high TIBC with low iron suggests iron deficiency. These notes reflect common practices in thyroid/functional medicine communities.

Reflects common practices in thyroid, BHRT, and functional medicine communities. This may differ from standard clinical guidelines. Not medical advice — always discuss with your provider.

General guidelines only. Requirements vary by lab and individual. Confirm with your provider before adjusting any medications.

Turnaround Time

Varies by lab

Clinical Notes

Usually reported with iron and calculated transferrin saturation

ICD-10 Codes

Common diagnosis codes associated with this test. Codes are assigned by your provider.

D50.9Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified
D64.9Anemia, unspecified
R53.83Other fatigue

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Lab Codes

Proprietary codes used by each lab for this test.

ARUP Laboratories
0020420(order)
LabCorp
001321(order)
Quest Diagnostics
5616(order)

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Related Tests

UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)

CPT: 83550

Ferritin

CPT: 82728

Iron, Serum

CPT: 83540

Iron & TIBC Panel

CPT: 83540, 83550

Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR)

CPT: 84466

Iron and TIBC Panel

CPT: 83540, 83550

For informational purposes only

This page is for educational and research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. ICD-10 and CPT codes are assigned by your healthcare provider. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before ordering any lab test or making decisions about your health.