Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Serum Iron Assay Kit

Product details

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Serum Iron Assay Kit (ab239715) provides a simple, sensitive, and high-throughput adaptable approach to detect physiological Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Serum Iron. Those values indicate the requisite iron for transferrin saturation and Serum Iron respectively. Those measurements can be used to detect and monitor transferrin saturation and also iron-deficiency anemia and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Serum Iron assay principles
In the combined Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Serum Iron assay kit, iron levels are measured using a ferrozine-based method.

To measure the levels of free iron, samples are treated with a reducing agent to convert any ferric iron (Fe3+) to form ferrous iron (Fe2+). Ferrozine then reacts with ferrous iron in the sample to form a complex measured by absorbance at 570 nm.

To measure the total level of free iron + transferrin bound iron, an acidic buffer is also used to release iron from iron carrier proteins, before the measurement of iron levels.

To measure the total iron binding capacity, an iron solution is added to saturate the iron-binding capacity of the sample. Then the same process is used to measure free iron and the total level of free iron + transferrin bound iron.

Serum Iron is defined as the amount of iron in serum that is bound to transferrin. It is calculated as the total level of free iron + transferrin bound iron, less the amount of free iron.

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) is calculated as the total level of free iron + transferrin bound iron after saturation with the iron solution, less the amount of free iron.

Getting the best performance from ab239715
For optimal enzymatic activity samples should not contain EDTA or other chelating agents.
The ab239715 assay is not compatible with plasma samples collected with EDTA or citrate anticoagulants. Plasma samples collected in heparin are compatible.

This product was previously called K392 Biovision Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) and Serum Iron Assay Kit (Colorimetric). Abcam acquired Biovision in 2021.

The Safety Datasheet for this product has been updated for certain countries. Please check the current version in the Support and downloads section.