Transferrin
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Iva Lloyd, ND 2024-02-12 (EDT)
See Also | Lab Tests |
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The transferrin test is used to measure iron metabolism in patients with iron deficiency, overload, or poisoning.[1]
Discussion
- Roughly 70% of the iron in the body is found in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells (RBCs), while the other 30% is stored in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin
- About 10% of the ingested iron is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the bone marrow via transferrin, for incorporation into hemoglobin.
- Serum iron determination reflects the measurement of the amount of iron bound to transferrin.
Patient Preparation
- Patient is required to fast for 12 hours before the blood test.
- Factors which can cause increased levels
- Drugs: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cholestyramine, chloramphenicol, colchicine, deferoxamine, methicillin, and testosterone
- Factors which can cause decreased levels
- Drugs: Chloramphenicol, dextran, estrogens, ethanol, iron preparations, methyldopa, and oral contraceptives
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Estrogen therapy
- Pregnancy (late)
- Polycythemia vera
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Low levels indicate:
- Malnutrition
- Hypoproteinemia
- Inflammatory diseases
- Cirrhosis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
Associated Tests
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.