What does the Transferrin - TRANS blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Transferrin is a protein that binds and transports iron in the blood. This test measures the amount of transferrin in the blood, which helps assess iron status and storage. It's often used in conjunction with other iron tests to diagnose conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or iron overload. Transferrin levels typically increase when iron stores are low, as the body tries to maximize iron absorption and transport. Conversely, levels may decrease when iron stores are high or in certain inflammatory conditions.
A low transferrin level may indicate:
Low levels can also occur in some types of anemia not related to iron deficiency. It’s important to interpret this result in context with other iron studies and clinical symptoms.
An elevated transferrin level often suggests:
High levels may also be seen in protein-losing conditions or with excessive dietary iron intake. As with low levels, it’s crucial to consider other iron studies and clinical factors when interpreting high transferrin results.