Transferrin Blood Test: High, Low, Causes and Clinical Meaning


◉ What is transferrin

Transferrin is a plasma iron transport protein that mediates iron exchange between tissues. It is not lost in delivering iron to the cells but returns to the plasma and is reused.

This glycoprotein is capable of binding up to two iron atoms (Fe3+) with high affinity. To enter cells that use iron, transferrin binds to a cell surface receptor called R-Tf.

After transferrin binding, the R-Tf-transferrin-iron complex enters the cell through a phenomenon called endocytosis.

The amount of iron that can be bound to transferrin, added to the iron already bound, represents the total iron binding capacity (TIBC). The ratio of serum iron level to TIBC represents the transferrin saturation coefficient.

◉ What is the importance of transferrin blood test?

This laboratory test provides important information about iron metabolism and can serve several purposes in clinical practice such as:

◉ How can I prepare for the test?

Preparation for a transferrin test is generally straightforward. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare for the test:

Note: Specific preparation instructions may vary depending on your individual situation and the instructions given by your healthcare professional.

◉ Normal range of transferrin test

The normal range of the transferrin test depends on the method of measurement and the unit of measurement.

The normal vlaue of the transferrin test is:

◉ High levels of transferrin

1. Causes of high transferrin levels

1- The most common cause of high transferrin is iron deficiency. When iron levels decrease, the body increases transferrin production to transport more iron from absorption sites, like the intestine, to the tissues and organs that require it, thus maintaining iron balance in the body.

This situation may be observed in situation such as:

2- An increase in transferrin levels may also be observed in cases of estrogen impregnation, such as when taking estrogen-containing oral contraceptives or during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy .

3- Certain diuretic drugs.

2. Symptoms of high transferrin levels

◉ Low levels of transferrin

◉ 1. Causes of low transferrin levels

Low transferrin in plasma indicates:

◉ 2. Symptoms of low transferrin levels

◉ Additional tests

◉ Conclusion

In summary, the transferrin blood test is a valuable tool for evaluating iron status and diagnosing certain medical conditions related to iron metabolism. It provides important information about transferrin levels and iron-binding capacity in the blood. However, it should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical information and additional laboratory tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of iron-related disorders.


Sources

  1. Ogun, A. S. (2022, November 16). Biochemistry, Transferrin. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532928/
  2. (2022, July 11). Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin test. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tibc-test/
  3. Lu, C. M., MD PhD. (2022, December 21). Transferrin and iron-binding Capacity (TIBC, UIBC) test - Testing.com. Testing.com. https://www.testing.com/tests/transferrin-and-iron-binding-capacity-tibc-uibc/
  4. Iron and Total Iron-Binding Capacity - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=iron_total_iron_binding_capacity
  5. Luigi Messori* and Felix Kratz - TRANSFERRIN: FROM INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY TO MEDICINE
  6. Marie-Claude Revenant- 2003 Elsevier Masson - Transferrine
  7. Yves Goussault Revenant- 2004 Elsevier Masson - Récepteur soluble de la transferrine
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