Transferrin
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes. Consult a physician to interpret your test results. Lissa Health helps track biomarker trends but does not replace medical advice.
What This Test Measures
Transferrin is the iron transport protein. In iron deficiency, the liver increases transferrin synthesis to capture iron.
Transferrin saturation (iron/TIBC × 100) is key for iron overload and deficiency diagnosis.
Transferrin decreases in chronic inflammation (anemia of chronic disease).
Normal Ranges
| Group | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 200–360 mg/dL (2.0–3.6 g/L) |
| Women | 200–360 mg/dL |
| Children | 200–380 mg/dL |
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and assay method.
Causes of High Levels
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnancy
- Estrogen therapy
- Oral contraceptives
Causes of Low Levels
- Chronic inflammation
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition
- Nephrotic syndrome
Test Preparation
- Morning fasting
- Report oral contraceptives
Related Biomarkers
| Biomarker | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Iron | Saturation calculation |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) | Binding capacity |
| Ferritin | Iron stores |
FAQ
How often should I take this test?
With iron studies — once or during therapy monitoring.
What should I do if my result is abnormal?
High transferrin + low ferritin — iron deficiency; low transferrin + high ferritin — inflammation/overload.
Last updated: June 2026