Transferrin loading capacity (TIBC) assay

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) is a biochemical parameter used to assess the ability of transferrin to bind circulating iron. Transferrin is a plasma glycoprotein that plays a key role in the transport of iron to cells. TIBC measurement thus provides an indirect assessment of the iron status of animals, complementing serum iron or ferritin measurements.

What is the TIBC assay used for in animals?

TIBC dosage is a functional indicator of iron metabolism, particularly useful for:

• Assess iron nutritional status in livestock, domestic or experimental animals
• Diagnose iron deficiencies or overloads (iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, chronic inflammation)
• Monitor the effectiveness of iron supplements in food formulations or nutritional supplements
• Characterize the quality of enriched products (additives, functional foods, premixes)
• Conduct veterinary or nutritional studies on mineral and trace element metabolisms

This analysis is therefore valuable both in research and development, as well as in quality control in the animal nutrition or veterinary products industry.

Analysis methods used

The determination of iron binding capacity is based on simple but robust analytical techniques:

• Colorimetric method: based on the reaction of iron with a chromogen in the presence of saturated transferrin, measuring the quantity of mobilizable iron.
• Spectrophotometry: detection of absorbance linked to the formation of the iron-chelator complex, allowing precise quantification.

These methods allow the determination of TIBC, often expressed in µmol/L or µg/dL, and can be coupled with the measurement of serum iron to calculate transferrin saturation.

Affected matrices

The TIBC test can be carried out on different matrices from the veterinary or animal nutrition fields:

• Animal serums (bovine, porcine, equine, dog, cat, etc.)
• Iron-enriched products (supplements, foods, premixes, functional extracts)
• Raw materials or experimental formulations (R&D products, field trials)

Industrial and scientific applications

The assay of total iron binding capacity is suitable for:

• Formulators of mineral and nutritional supplements for animals
• Manufacturers of enriched feed for livestock or pets
• Research laboratories in physiology, nutrition or veterinary biochemistry
• Actors in the development of new additives or functional ingredients

It is also integrated into metabolic analysis batteries during animal clinical studies or validation of products for hematological purposes.

Why choose YesWeLab for your TIBC analysis?

YesWeLab provides you with a network of partner laboratories specializing in animal health and biochemical analyses, rigorously selected for their technical expertise and accreditations (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.).

Our digital platform allows you to:

• Easily order your TIBC analyses
• Add other complementary parameters (serum iron, ferritin, hematocrit)
• Get a quick, personalized quote
• Track your sample processing online
• Benefit from dedicated technical support from our scientific experts

Since 2020, hundreds of manufacturers, formulators and research centers have trusted us to reliably outsource their analytical needs.

Need a quote or technical consultation?

Add this analysis to your online quote or contact our scientific team to define together the method best suited to your analytical objectives.