Transferrin

The Transferrin test measures the level of transferrin, a blood protein that binds and transports iron throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating iron balance and is commonly tested to evaluate iron status, diagnose anemia, or assess nutritional health.

1. What Is Transferrin?

• Transferrin is a glycoprotein produced by the liver that binds iron and carries it to various tissues, including bone marrow for red blood cell production.

• It helps maintain iron homeostasis and is an indirect marker of the body’s iron stores.

• The level of transferrin increases when iron stores are low and decreases when iron is abundant or in cases of chronic disease.

2. Why Is the Transferrin Test Performed?

This test is used to:

• Diagnose and evaluate iron-deficiency anemia.

• Distinguish between different types of anemia (e.g., iron deficiency vs. anemia of chronic disease).

• Assess nutritional status and liver function.

• Interpret results alongside iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) tests.

3. Transferrin Reference Range

• Normal range: 200 – 360 mg/dL (may vary slightly by lab)

• Often reported as a percentage saturation (Transferrin Saturation), calculated as: (Serum Iron / TIBC) × 100.

4. Interpreting Transferrin Results

🔹 High Transferrin:

• Suggests iron deficiency anemia.

• The body increases transferrin production to capture more iron.

🔹 Low Transferrin:

• May indicate chronic inflammation, malnutrition, liver disease, or iron overload.

• Often seen in anemia of chronic disease or advanced liver conditions.

5. What Can Affect Transferrin Levels?

• Iron status (increased in deficiency, decreased in overload)

• Liver function (transferrin is produced by the liver)

• Inflammatory or chronic diseases (can lower transferrin)

• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives (may increase transferrin)

6. How Is the Test Performed?

• A blood sample is drawn from a vein.

• Fasting may be required if part of a complete iron panel.

7. When to See a Doctor

🚨 Contact your healthcare provider if you:

• Experience fatigue, pallor, weakness, or signs of anemia.

• Have abnormal iron or ferritin levels and require additional evaluation.

• Need to assess your nutritional or liver health.

🔹 Key Takeaways

✅ Transferrin helps transport iron and reflects the body’s iron status.

✅ High levels suggest iron deficiency, while low levels may indicate chronic illness or liver disease.

✅ Often used in conjunction with other iron-related tests for accurate diagnosis.