Transferrin saturation, measured as a percentage, is a medical laboratory value. It is the value of serum iron divided by the total iron-binding capacity. Transferrin is the main protein in the blood that binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. Transferrin levels rise with iron deficiency and fall in cases of iron overload. Transferrin is also responsible for circadian variation in serum iron (which peaks in the AM).
Doctors order this test to detect a certain type of anemia.
The normal range for transferrin is 170 to 370 mg/dl. If you have a higher amount, you may have iron-deficiency anemia. If you have a lower level, you may have another problem, such as liver disease and hemolytic anemia.
