Transferrin Test

Doctors recommend a transferrin test if they suspect iron-deficiency anaemia (a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce haemoglobin). Iron-deficiency can occur due to poor absorption of iron from food or due to blood loss. It is a commonly occurring problem in pregnant women. Symptoms of anaemia include:

• Pallor (pale skin colour)
• Extreme weakness or tiredness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat and feeling short of breath while performing physical activities
• Irritability

Brittle nails and abnormal cravings are some other less common symptoms of anaemia.

This test may also be recommended if excess iron levels are found in a person’s body. Excess iron accumulation in body tissues and blood can worsen with time. It usually manifests in the form of: 

• Weight loss
• Low energy levels
• Joint pain
• Loss of sex drive
• Weakness
• Organ damage
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain

People who have undergone repeated transfusions, are thalassemia major and have haemosiderosis, a condition in which there is an overload of iron in the organs and tissues usually have excess iron levels. Excess iron levels are also found in people with hemochromatosis (a rare genetic condition in which the body produces excess iron), sickle cell anaemia, chronic liver disease and alcoholism. 

And finally, transferrin test is recommended when a person is suspected of iron poisoning. It is usually seen in children who have accidentally ingested iron-containing supplements in excess doses.

No special preparations are required for transferrin test. People undergoing this test should inform their healthcare provider about any medicines, supplements, vitamins or herbs they take regularly. The physician should also be informed about any non-prescription drugs that are being taken.

For this test, a blood sample is collected by withdrawing blood from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle.

Minor risks associated with this blood test include a feeling of lightheadedness, bleeding, and bruising or infection at the site of blood withdrawal. Some people may experience mild stinging pain at the site of blood withdrawal, which will fade soon.

Normal results:

Normal range of transferrin in blood is 170 to 370 mg/dL.

The normal range of transferrin based on its total iron-binding capacity is 300 to 360 mcg/dL.

Normal levels of transferrin based on transferrin saturation value are 20% to 50%.

Abnormal results:

Lower than normal levels of transferrin indicate haemolytic anaemia or liver disease.

Low transferrin saturation (below 10%) indicate severe anaemia and iron-deficiency.

High levels of transferrin based on TIBC indicate iron-deficiency anaemia.

Birth control pills can alter transferrin levels. Low or high levels of transferrin might occur due to certain medical conditions as well. 

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor. 

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