Transferrin. When should a transferrin test be performed?

In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.

Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.

Transferrin is a carrier protein for iron ions in the serum. Its synthesis takes place mainly in the liver. The concentration of this protein is influenced by various types of inflammation, then it is reduced in the serum. We perform transferrin testing when iron deficiency anemia is suspected.

What is transferrin?

Transferrin is a protein responsible for regulating the concentration of iron ions in the blood and their transport from plasma to tissues. Testing the level of transferrin allows you to assess the state of the body’s iron balance. Since transferrin has a high molecular weight, it is not filtered in the glomeruli and therefore no iron is lost in urine. Transferrin is synthesized in the liver. TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) is a test that determines the saturation of transferrin with iron. It allows you to determine the maximum amount of iron needed to completely saturate the transferrin protein. TIBC is usually performed together with iron testing in people who are suspected of having excess or deficiency in iron.

Indications for the transferrin test

1. Suspicion of iron deficiency anemia. The test is usually performed together with the TIBC test.

2. Suspicion of inflammation and cancer.

3. Suspicion of iron poisoning, which usually occurs in children as a result of accidental overdosing of vitamin supplements or iron-containing agents.

4. Assessment and monitoring of nutritional status.

Symptoms that may suggest iron deficiency are:

  1. dizziness,
  2. brittle nails,
  3. fainting
  4. paleness,
  5. somnolence,
  6. hair loss,
  7. split ends,
  8. problems with concentration,
  9. decrease in immunity,
  10. nervousness,
  11. deterioration of mood
  12. dry skin and mucous membranes,
  13. changes on the mucosa of the tongue and throat,
  14. increase in heart rate.

Ferritin is also a protein associated with iron metabolism. In people suspected of having excess iron, iron levels are sometimes measured together with TIBC or UIBC and ferretin levels to determine if transferrin saturation is increased or if iron stores have increased. Excess iron in the body manifests itself differently from person to person. However, the most common symptoms are: decreased libido, joint pain, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, lack of energy and heart problems.

The course of the transferrin study

A test that allows you to assess the iron saturation of transferrin is TIBC. The price of the test depends primarily on the facility where it is performed. On average, it costs about PLN 30.

Material for transferrin testing: serum.

Preparation for the test: on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours). Before performing the test, consult your doctor about the medications, dietary supplements and vitamins you are taking, which may affect the test result.

The course of the transferrin test: one-time blood sampling from a vein in the arm. The obtained sample is sent for further laboratory analysis.

Time to wait for the result: 1 Day.

Standards vary by gender. In women it is: 223-446 µg / dl, while in men: 251-391 µg / dl. Please note that the standards may differ depending on the laboratory in which the tests were performed. The test results should be accompanied by a printout with reference values.

Comments: Transferrin is a transport protein responsible for the transport of iron ions to erythroblasts. In clinical practice, it is very important to determine the degree of iron ion saturation of transferrin. For this reason, the concentration of transferrin is determined together with the total iron-binding capacity. In the case of iron deficiency, the concentration of transferrin and the iron-binding capacity are increased.

Transferrin Study – Interpretation of Results

Increased values ​​of transferrin (above normal) may occur in the case of:

  1. taking hormone replacement therapy (using estrogens),
  2. iron deficiency anemia,
  3. use of oral hormonal contraceptives,
  4. pregnant women (especially in the third trimester).

In turn, a reduced concentration of transferrin (below the norm) is characteristic of such ailments as:

  1. tumor,
  2. acute inflammation,
  3. kidney and liver diseases,
  4. malnutrition,
  5. nephrotic syndrome,
  6. burns (they cause protein loss),
  7. hypochromic microcytic anemia of chronic diseases.

Leave a Reply