Transferrin
The protein that carries iron through the bloodstream.
| Typical reference range | 188–341 mg/dL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Transferrin is made by the liver and delivers iron to the bone marrow and other tissues. Production increases when iron stores are low.
Why it matters
Transferrin provides the same information as TIBC (TIBC is roughly 1.25-1.4 times transferrin in mg/dL) and helps classify anemia.
What a high result can mean
High transferrin suggests iron deficiency, pregnancy or estrogen use.
What a low result can mean
Low transferrin occurs with inflammation, malnutrition, liver disease, kidney protein loss and iron overload.
What affects the result
Inflammation and nutrition strongly influence levels. Interpret with iron, ferritin and saturation.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in mg/dL.
- From g/L: multiply by 100 to get mg/dL
- From umol/L: multiply by 7.96 to get mg/dL
Also called on lab reports
Transferrin, Serum
Related tests: Iron Status
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.