What is the formula for Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) estimate?

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a clinical laboratory measurement that indicates the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin, which is the main protein that transports iron in the bloodstream. TIBC is estimated by measuring the levels of transferrin in the serum, since transferrin is the primary carrier for iron.

The correct answer involves multiplying serum transferrin by a factor to convert this measurement into an estimate of TIBC. This is because transferrin has a specific binding capacity for iron and reflects the potential for iron transport in the body. The formula essentially provides a way to quantify the iron transport capability by assessing transferrin levels directly.

When transferrin is low, it usually indicates that the body has adequate iron stores, while elevated transferrin suggests that there may be insufficient iron available, prompting the body to produce more transferrin to capture iron effectively. Thus, determining TIBC through serum transferrin gives valuable insight into iron metabolism and status in the body.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the correct measurement for estimating TIBC. Serum ferritin indicates the stored form of iron, serum iron simply measures the amount of iron in the serum, and free hemoglobin is related to hemolysis