Transferrin loading capacity (TIBC) assay

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) 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 transporting iron into cells. Measuring TIBC thus provides an indirect assessment of the iron status of animals, complementing the measurement of serum iron or ferritin.

What is the purpose of TIBC measurement in animals?

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

• Assessing iron nutritional status in livestock, domestic or experimental animals
• Diagnosing iron deficiencies or overloads (iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, chronic inflammation)
• Monitor the effectiveness of iron supplementation in food formulations or nutritional supplements
• Characterize the quality of fortified products (additives, functional foods, premixes)
• Conducting veterinary or nutritional studies on mineral and trace element metabolism

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

Analysis methods used

The determination of iron-binding capacity relies 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 amount of mobilizable iron.
• Spectrophotometry: detection of absorbance related 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 serum iron measurement to calculate transferrin saturation.

Affected matrices

The TIBC test can be performed on various matrices from the veterinary field or animal nutrition:

• Animal sera (cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, cats, etc.)
• Iron-enriched products (supplements, foods, premixes, functional extracts)
• Raw materials or experimental formulations (R&D products, field tests)

Industrial and scientific applications

The dosage of the total iron binding capacity is adapted to:

• Formulators of mineral and nutritional supplements for animals
• Manufacturers of fortified animal or pet food
• Research laboratories in veterinary physiology, nutrition or 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:

• Order your TIBC analyses easily
• Add other complementary parameters (serum iron, ferritin, hematocrit)
• Get a quick and personalized quote
• Track the processing of your samples 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 a 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.