What does transferrin level mean?

What does transferrin level mean?

understanding the transferrin test results High transferrin means the liver is producing more of the protein to use all the iron available in the body. Low transferrin level means the body is absorbing more iron then needed. The results of a typical transferrin test are reported in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).

What is transferrin a marker of?

Transferrin is a blood-plasma glycoprotein, which plays a central role in iron metabolism and is responsible for ferric-ion delivery. It is an essential biochemical marker of body iron status.

What does low serum transferrin mean?

Low transferrin can impair hemoglobin production (since to make hemoglobin, you have to have iron) and so lead to anemia. Low transferrin can be due to poor production of transferrin by the liver (where it’s made) or excessive loss of transferrin through the kidneys into the urine.

What is transferrin in blood test results?

The Transferrin Test is ordered to assess the body’s ability to bind and transport iron in the blood. It is often ordered along with other iron-related tests when iron deficiency or overload are suspected, or to assess nutrition or liver function.

What is serum transferrin saturation?

Transferrin saturation (TS), measured as a percentage, is a medical laboratory value. It is the value of serum iron divided by the total iron-binding capacity of the available transferrin, the main protein that binds iron in the blood, this value tells a clinician how much serum iron is bound.

What is transferrin used for?

The main role of transferrin is to deliver iron from absorption centers in the duodenum and white blood cell macrophages to all tissues. Transferrin plays a key role in areas where erythropoiesis and active cell division occur.

How is transferrin measured?

Transferrin may also be measured using a value called total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Results are given in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). Normal values are 250 to 450 mcg/dL. A higher level means that you may have iron-deficiency anemia.

Is low transferrin bad?

However, markedly low transferrin levels indicate severe protein-energy malnutrition. A value less than 100 mg/dL may be considered a reliable index of severe protein-energy malnutrition.

What is unsaturated IBC?

Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) is a blood test most frequently used along with a serum iron test and a total iron-binding capacity test (TIBC) to evaluate people suspected of having either iron deficiency or iron overload.

What is transferrin in lab test?

Transferrin is the main protein in the blood that binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. A transferrin test directly measures the level in the blood.

What causes elevated transferrin levels?

A high TIBC, UIBC, or transferrin usually indicates iron deficiency, but they are also increased in pregnancy and with the use of oral contraceptives. A low TIBC, UIBC, or transferrin may also occur if someone has malnutrition, inflammation, liver disease, or nephrotic syndrome.

What is a high transferrin saturation level?

Serum transferrin saturation. This test measures the amount of iron bound to a protein (transferrin) that carries iron in your blood. Transferrin saturation values greater than 45% are considered too high.