Transferrin

Transferrin is a protein that binds and transports iron in the bloodstream. It is synthesized in the liver and is present in the blood in two forms: as transferrin, which carries iron, and as apotransferrin, which does not. The amount of transferrin in the blood can be measured as a way to assess the body’s iron stores. Abnormally low levels of transferrin can indicate iron-deficiency anemia, while high levels can be a sign of liver disease or certain types of cancer.

Also Known as	Transferrin
Test Purpose	Transferrin test is a blood test that measures the level of transferrin
Test Preparations	Overnight fasting is preferred.
Test Components	Seum Transferrin
Specimen	2 mL (1 mL min.) Serum from 1 SST. Ship refrigerated or frozen. Overnight fasting is preferred.
Stability Room	2 hrs
Stability Refrigerated	1 week
Stability Frozen	4 Weeks
Method	Immunoturbidimetry
Download Report	Transferrin Report Formate

What Is Transferrin Test?

A transferrin test is a blood test that measures the amount of transferrin, a protein that carries iron in the blood, in the bloodstream. The test is used to help diagnose and monitor conditions that affect iron metabolism, such as anemia, liver disease, and certain types of cancer. High or low levels of transferrin can indicate the presence of these conditions.

 Symptoms Of Abnormal Transferrin Levels :

Symptoms of abnormal transferrin levels can vary depending on the underlying cause of the imbalance. However, some common symptoms may include:

1. Fatigue or weakness
2. Anemia (a decrease in red blood cells)
3. Iron deficiency
4. Bruising or bleeding easily
5. Slow wound healing
6. Shortness of breath
7. Headaches
8. Pale skin
9. Cold hands and feet
10. Brittle nails

It’s important to note that some people with abnormal transferrin levels may not experience any symptoms. A blood test is typically required to diagnose abnormal transferrin levels.

Why to get tested ?

There are several reasons why someone might get tested for abnormal transferrin levels, including:

1. Anemia: Anemia is a common condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cells, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. Transferrin is involved in the transport of iron, which is needed to produce red blood cells. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including abnormal transferrin levels.
2. Iron deficiency: Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for the production of red blood cells. A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Transferrin is involved in the transport of iron, so abnormal transferrin levels can affect iron levels in the body.
3. Bruising or bleeding easily: Abnormal transferrin levels can affect the body’s ability to produce and transport red blood cells, which can lead to easy bruising or bleeding.
4. Monitoring treatment: If a person has a medical condition that affects transferrin levels, such as liver disease, a healthcare professional may monitor transferrin levels over time to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
5. Routine check up: Some people might get transferrin test as part of their routine check-up, to monitor their overall health.

It’s important to note that a blood test is typically required to diagnose abnormal transferrin levels. A healthcare professional can order the test and interpret the results.

When to get tested ?

There are several situations when a person might get tested for abnormal transferrin levels, including:

1. Anemia: If a person has symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, or pale skin, a healthcare professional may order a transferrin test to help determine the cause.
2. Iron deficiency: If a person has symptoms of iron deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, or brittle nails, a healthcare professional may order a transferrin test to help determine the cause.
3. Bruising or bleeding easily: If a person has unexplained bruising or bleeding, a healthcare professional may order a transferrin test to help determine the cause.
4. Monitoring treatment: If a person has a medical condition that affects transferrin levels, such as liver disease, a healthcare professional may monitor transferrin levels over time to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
5. Routine check-up: Some people might get transferrin test as part of their routine check-up to monitor their overall health.

It’s important to note that a healthcare professional will determine if and when to order a transferrin test based on the individual’s specific medical history, symptoms, and other factors.

Preparation for test :

In general, Overnight fasting is preferred.. However, to ensure accurate results, it is recommended to follow these guidelines before the test:

1. Fast before the test: You may be instructed to fast for a certain period of time before the test, usually 8-12 hours, to ensure accurate results.
2. Inform your healthcare provider of any medication you are taking: Some medications can affect the results of a transferrin test, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are currently taking.
3. Inform your healthcare provider of any recent medical procedure: If you have had a recent blood transfusion, or any other medical procedure, you should inform your healthcare provider, as it can affect the results of a transferrin test.
4. Inform your healthcare provider of any recent illness: If you have had a recent infection or other illness, you should inform your healthcare provider, as it can affect the results of a transferrin test.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and to let them know if you have any concerns about the test or the preparation process.

Sample Required :

2 mL (1 mL min.) Serum from 1 SST. Ship refrigerated or frozen. Overnight fasting is preferred.

A transferrin test typically requires a blood sample. The sample is usually taken from a vein in the arm using a needle. The procedure is called a venipuncture. The healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm where the needle will be inserted, and then insert the needle into a vein. Once the needle is in place, a small amount of blood will be collected into a tube. The needle will then be removed and the area will be covered with a bandage. It is common to feel a small sting or pinch when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is usually quick and relatively painless.

After the sample is collected, it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the transferrin test will be available within a few days, and your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you.

It’s important to let your healthcare provider know if you have any concerns about the blood draw or if you experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Normal values :

The normal values for transferrin levels can vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test and the reference range used. In general, normal values for transferrin levels in adults are considered to be between 220 and 440 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Source 1:

Age	mg/dL
0 to 4 days	130 to 275
3 months to 16 years	203 to 360
16 to 60 years
Male	215 to 365
Female	250 to 380
60 to 90 years	190 to 375
>90 years	186 to 347
Maternal at term	305

Source 2:

1. Adult = 250 to 425 mg/dL.
2. Children = 203 to 360 mg/dL.
3. Newborn = 130 to 275 mg /dL.

To convert into SI units x 0.01 = g/L

However, it’s important to note that normal values can also vary depending on a person’s age, sex, and overall health. For example, transferrin levels may be slightly higher in men than in women and in people who have a higher muscle mass.

It’s also important to note that a single test result may not always be enough to diagnose a condition. A healthcare professional will consider the results of the test along with other factors such as the person’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to make a diagnosis.

If the results of the transferrin test are abnormal, your healthcare provider may order additional tests to help determine the cause and guide treatment.

Low level of Transferrin Test is seen in :

Low levels of transferrin, also known as hypo-transferrinemia, can be seen in several conditions, including:

1. Anemia: Low levels of transferrin can be caused by anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cells. Transferrin is involved in the transport of iron, which is needed to produce red blood cells.
2. Iron deficiency: Low levels of transferrin can also be caused by iron deficiency, a condition characterized by a lack of iron in the body. Transferrin is involved in the transport of iron, so low levels can indicate a deficiency.
3. Malnutrition: Malnutrition can lead to low levels of transferrin due to a lack of nutrients in the diet.
4. Chronic liver disease: Chronic liver disease can lead to low levels of transferrin due to the liver’s inability to produce enough of the protein.
5. Inflammatory disorders: Inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can lead to low levels of transferrin.
6. Malabsorption: Malabsorption of nutrients, as seen in celiac disease and other conditions can lead to low levels of transferrin

It’s important to note that a healthcare professional will consider the results of the test along with other factors such as the person’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to make a diagnosis. Additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and to guide treatment.

High level of Transferrin Test is seen in :

High levels of transferrin, also known as hyperferritinemia, can be seen in several conditions, including:

1. Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. High levels of transferrin can indicate that there is too much iron in the body.
2. Inflammation: High levels of transferrin can be caused by inflammation, such as infections, injury or cancer, as the body produces more transferrin as a response to inflammation.
3. Alcoholism: Alcoholism can lead to high levels of transferrin as it can cause liver damage which can lead to production of more transferrin
4. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis of the liver can lead to high levels of transferrin.
5. Other conditions: High transferrin levels can also be seen in other conditions such as hemolytic anemia, multiple myeloma, and other blood disorders.

It’s important to note that a healthcare professional will consider the results of the test along with other factors such as the person’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to make a diagnosis. Additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and to guide treatment.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, Transferrin test is a blood test that measures the level of transferrin, a protein that is involved in the transport of iron in the body. Abnormal transferrin levels can indicate a variety of conditions, including anemia, iron deficiency, and other medical conditions. Symptoms of abnormal transferrin levels can include fatigue, weakness, anemia, and bruising or bleeding easily. A blood test is typically required to diagnose abnormal transferrin levels, and a healthcare professional can order the test and interpret the results. Low levels of transferrin can be seen in conditions such as anemia, iron deficiency, malnutrition, chronic liver disease and inflammatory disorders. High levels of transferrin can be seen in conditions such as Hemochromatosis, inflammation, alcoholism, cirrhosis, and other blood disorders. It’s important to follow your healthcare professional’s instructions and to let them know if you have any concerns about the test or the preparation process.

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