Transferrin saturation what is

Hindsight is always , yet my ferritin level, transferrin saturation, and lab tests are a good example of how potentially confusing iron overload lab tests can be, and how the circumstance of the person, their environment, their symptoms, and their age all factor into the equation. Sign-up today for in-depth and empowering articles with actionable tips to assist you on your journey with hemochromatosis!

By Dr. Transferrin Saturation in Hemochromatosis In hemochromatosis , an important lab marker is the transferrin saturation percentage. Find Answers and Restore Health. Learn about Iron Overload. Prev Previous Hemochromatosis in Men. If you have a lower level, you may have another problem, such as liver disease and hemolytic anemia. Transferrin may also be measured using a value called total iron-binding capacity TIBC. A higher level means that you may have iron-deficiency anemia. Another measurement, called transferrin saturation, checks how many places on your transferrin that can hold iron are actually doing so.

Many other medical conditions can cause high or low levels of transferrin. The results of these tests, and other tests, can help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your symptoms. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. See our Privacy Policy for more details. Blood Health Transferrin saturation Iron Saturation. Symptoms of iron overload will vary from person to person and tend to worsen over time; they may include: - Join pain - Fatigue, weakness - Weight loss - Lack of energy - Abdominal pain - Loss of sex drive - Loss of hair - Heart problems.

What does it mean if your Transferrin saturation Iron Saturation result is too low? Causes of iron deficiency can include: - Insufficient dietary iron intake - Inadequate iron absorption in the stomach - Increased need for iron, for example, during pregnancy - Any condition that causes chronic blood loss, for example heavy periods in menstruating women.

What does it mean if your Transferrin saturation Iron Saturation result is too high? Symptoms of iron overload include: - Joint pain - Fatigue - Weakness and lack of energy - Weight loss - Abdominal pain - Loss of sex drive - Loss of body hair Treatments to reduce levels of iron are available, but the disease must be investigated and treated by a doctor.

Understand Lab Results. Improve Your Health. Get Instant Interpretation. Although serum iron, TIBC, and percent saturation are widely used for the diagnosis of iron deficiency, serum ferritin is a much more sensitive and reliable means of demonstrating iron deficiency.

Measurement of serum iron, iron-binding capacity, and percent saturation should not be used as the primary test for iron deficiency. It may be helpful when used in conjunction with ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor testing, especially in patients with inflammation.

In Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. Edited by NW Tietz. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, , pp Ramsay WN: The determination of the total iron binding capacity of serum. Clin Chim Acta Mar 18; Clin Chem ;