Transferrin

Understanding the marker

Transferrin is a protein that carries iron in the blood. It is measured with other iron tests to assess transport and availability.

Transferrin shows the amount of iron-carrying protein, while ferritin helps assess stores and transferrin saturation shows how much of the carrying capacity is used. Inflammation, liver function and relevant hormone treatment can affect interpretation.

What does high Transferrin mean?

High transferrin can accompany low iron stores, but other influences are possible. Ferritin, transferrin saturation and relevant treatment information help determine the meaning.

What does low Transferrin mean?

Low transferrin means less of the iron-carrying protein is present. Inflammation, liver function and other protein results help explain the finding; it does not by itself show the amount of stored iron.