This company has introduced a ready-to-use Magnetic TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) Kit for use on the Vitros chemistry analyzer.
This product, which can replace the alumina columns currently used for TIBC testing, allows for on-line application to eliminate off-line preparation associated with TIBC tests. Results are available in less than 10 minutes using reduced serum volume.
TIBC is the measure of the capability of serum proteins, principally transferrin, to bind iron. It is the maximum concentration of iron that the serum proteins can bind. Together with the total serum iron concentration, the TIBC is used in the diagnosis and treatment of iron- deficiency anemia, other iron metabolism disorders and chronic inflammatory disorders.
As an index of nutritional status, TIBC reflects the degree of transferrin saturation by serum iron. Serum TIBC is increased in iron deficiency and decreased in anemia that is due to chronic disease.
TIBC is determined by first adding excess iron as ferric ion to a sample of patient’s serum, and allowing the iron to bind to any available sites on transferrin. Then a suspension of magnetic separation reagent, which contains alumina for removal of unbound iron, is added to the treated sample. Applying a magnetic field to the mixture pulls away the alumina particle along with any unbound iron, leaving only iron-saturated transferrin in the supernate. Using conventional methods to measure iron in the supernate, the TIBC content of the serum can be assessed.
Components of the Magnetic TIBC reagent are ready to use, and the product can be applied to other clinical chemistry analyzers. The reagent is stable until the expiration date shown on the label when stored at 2-8ºC. Equal Diagnostics
