What is a Transferrin Test?

The transferrin glycoprotein is measured in milligrams per deciliter. Typically, the values range from 204-360 mg/dl. 

Suppose your transferrin test reports indicate a value above this range. In that case, it means you are suffering from iron deficiency. If the value is below this range, it means you are suffering from iron overload.

The healthcare provider usually prescribes this test when they find the signs of iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload in the body during a physical examination. So, this test is done as the investigatory procedure to establish the final diagnosis of the condition.

During the test, the lab personnel will select the site (typically the inner side of the elbow) for blood collection and clean it with the alcohol swab. They will then collect sufficient blood using a needle and syringe and cover the prick site with a gauze pad.

Transferrin is an essential biological marker indicating the iron level’s status in our body. If its level decreases, the iron levels also go up, and if its level increases, the iron levels will fall. So, both transferrin and iron concentrations in the body are inversely interlinked.

When transferrin levels are high, it indicates only a low amount of iron is available to bind the proteins. It ultimately signals iron deficiency. On the other hand, it may indicate haemolytic anaemia or certain liver diseases when transferrin levels are low.

One can also suffer from anaemia when transferrin is produced at low levels by the liver. This case is because the absence of sufficient iron impairs haemoglobin synthesis. Symptoms may include extreme weakness, pale skin colour, fatigue, headaches, and breath shortness.

The prime cause of low transferrin levels is iron overload. This condition can be acute or chronic. In the case of inflammations, when the liver produces some inflammation-related proteins like ferritin or CRP, the production of transferrin is reduced. Low transferrin levels can occur due to other causes like malnutrition, kidney diseases, etc.

Less than 20% transferrin saturation indicates a deficiency of iron in the body. If the transferrin level is beyond 50%, it signals iron overload. The transferrin saturation values clarify the confusion with another value (iron-binding capacity). It is used to check the iron status in the body.

Transferrin is a serum glycoprotein synthesised in the liver and sent into the bloodstream. It plays a vital role in transporting iron from the absorption site to the target tissues or cells. Furthermore, it delivers around 70% of the iron in the bone marrow, thereby helping produce red blood cells.

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