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Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Transferrin Saturation

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TFS

Description

"Transferrin Saturation" test evaluates the percentage of transferrin that’s actually carrying iron, offering insight into how well your body utilizes available iron. It’s often used to diagnose iron deficiency, hemochromatosis, or anemia-related conditions. Low saturation suggests inadequate iron supply, while high levels may point to iron overload. Doctors use the results to fine-tune treatment strategies, including dietary changes or iron therapy. This test is especially helpful for people with fatigue or joint pain and supports long-term iron monitoring.

"Transferrin Saturation" test evaluates the percentage of transferrin that’s actually carrying iron, offering insight into how well your body utilizes available iron. It’s often used to diagnose iron deficiency, hemochromatosis, or anemia-related conditions. Low saturation suggests inadequate iron supply, while high levels may point to iron overload. Doctors use the results to fine-tune treatment strategies, including dietary changes or iron therapy. This test is especially helpful for people with fatigue or joint pain and supports long-term iron monitoring.

Category

Proteins

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Blood – Serum

Units

Percentage

Procedure Category

Blood Draw

Test Group

Iron Group

Test Group Description

Iron Group: Its focus lies on evaluating iron levels and related parameters, offering insights into iron metabolism and associated health conditions.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 30.00–45.00%

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 20.00–50.00%

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Increased levels may indicate:


  • Alcoholic liver disease (Liver damage due to alcohol consumption)

  • Chronic hepatitis C (Persistent liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus)

  • Chronic hemodialysis (Long-term dialysis treatment for kidney failure)

  • Excessive iron supplementation

  • Hemochromatosis (Excess iron absorption leading to organ damage)

  • ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Iron Status Assessment: Reflects transferrin saturation and evaluates iron-binding capacity.

  • Diagnosis of Iron Disorders: Detects conditions like iron deficiency anemia and hemochromatosis.

  • Monitoring Iron Therapy: Assesses treatment response and ensures optimal iron levels.

  • Prediction of Anemia Risk: Identifies individuals at risk of anemia, enabling early intervention.

  • Hemodialysis Monitoring: Guides iron supplementation in hemodialysis patients to prevent anemia.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Camaschella C. Iron-deficiency anemia. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(19):1832-1843.

[2] Brissot P, Ropert M, Le Lan C, Loréal O. Non-transferrin bound iron: a key role in iron overload and iron toxicity. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012;1820(3):403-410.

[3] Kelley A, Talwar D. Interpreting iron studies. BMJ. 2017;357.

[4] Goddard AF, James MW, McIntyre AS, Scott BB. Guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia. Gut. 2011;60(10):1309-1316.

[5] Bacon BR, Adams PC, Kowdley KV, Powell LW, Tavill AS. Diagnosis and management of hemochromatosis: 2011 practice guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2011;54(1):328-343.

[6] Pietrangelo A. Hereditary hemochromatosis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Gastroenterology. 2010;139(2):393-408.e2.

[7] Ganz T, Nemeth E. Hepcidin and iron homeostasis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012;1823(9):1434-1443.

[8] Knutson MD. Iron transport proteins: gatekeepers of cellular and systemic iron homeostasis. J Biol Chem. 2017;292(31):12735-12743.

[9] Kawabata H. Transferrin and transferrin receptors update. Free Radic Biol Med. 2019;133:46-54.

[10] Ganz T. Systemic iron homeostasis. Physiol Rev. 2013;93(4):1721-1741.

[11] Finch CA, Huebers H. Perspectives in iron metabolism. N Engl J Med. 1982;306(25):1520-1528.

[12] Kohgo Y, Ikuta K, Ohtake T, Torimoto Y, Kato J. Body iron metabolism and pathophysiology of iron overload. Int J Hematol. 2008;88(1):7-15.

[13] Gkouvatsos K, Papanikolaou G, Pantopoulos K. Regulation of iron transport and the role of transferrin. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2012;1820(3):188-202.

[14] Knutson MD, Wessling-Resnick M. Iron metabolism in the heart. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2003;1703(1):225-239.

[15] Nemeth E, Tuttle MS, Powelson J, et al. Hepcidin regulates cellular iron efflux by binding to ferroportin and inducing its internalization. Science. 2004;306(5704):2090-2093.

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