Book Doctor Appointment
Choose the mode of consultation
What is a Transferrin Test?
Doctors prescribe the Transferrin test when they suspect any deviation from normality in the iron levels in your body. In simple terms, this test measures the transferrin levels in the blood and the ability of the body to transport iron in the blood. It helps in diagnosing iron overload in the blood or iron deficiency anaemia.Â
Transferrin is a glycoprotein present in the blood plasma. It plays a prime role in iron metabolism and carries iron through the blood to body tissues such as the spleen, liver, bone marrow, etc. This glycoprotein is synthesised in the liver and has a high affinity for iron ions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Transferrin Test used for?
Haemoglobin, a metalloprotein, comprises two parts, i.e., haeme and globin. In this, haeme refers to iron.Â
Iron deficiency in our body may lead to anaemia. In contrast, excess iron in our body may lead to iron overload. Both conditions have health-damaging consequences. This test is useful to diagnose such conditions.
Understanding the test results of the Transferrin Test
The transferrin glycoprotein is measured in milligrams per deciliter. Typically, the values range from 204-360 mg/dl.Â
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.
Why do I need the Transferrin Test?
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.
What happens during the Transferrin Test?
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.
What is transferrin a marker of?
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.
What do transferrin levels mean?
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.
What are the symptoms of low transferrin?
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.
What can cause low transferrin?
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.
What happens if your transferrin saturation is low?
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.
Where is transferrin found?
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.
 Book an appointment or Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.
References:
Why Choose Yashoda Hospitals
Yashoda Hospitals is committed to providing world-class treatment for patients from across the globe. With the unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, intuitive care, and clinical excellence, we are the healthcare destination for thousands of international patients in India.
On the journey to good health, we understand that it is important for you to feel at home. We plan out all aspects of your trip.
Experienced specialists perform non-invasive and minimally invasive surgeries to provide the best treatment for international patients.
Our hospitals are equipped with advanced technology to perform a wide range of procedures and treatments.
We deliver excellence by delivering quick and efficient healthcare and through pioneering research that helps all our future.patients.
