What does the Transferrin Saturation - TS blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Transferrin Saturation (TS) is a measure of how much iron is bound to transferrin, the main iron-carrying protein in the blood. This test helps assess iron status and is often used in conjunction with other iron studies. TS provides information about the body's iron storage and utilization, helping diagnose conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis. It's particularly useful when serum iron levels alone may not give a complete picture of iron status, as TS takes into account both iron and transferrin levels.
A low Transferrin Saturation (TS) reading typically indicates iron deficiency. This could be due to inadequate dietary iron intake, poor iron absorption, or chronic blood loss. Low TS is often seen in iron deficiency anemia, where the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce sufficient hemoglobin. It may also occur in chronic diseases, inflammation, or certain types of cancer. Further testing, such as ferritin levels, may be necessary to confirm iron deficiency and determine its underlying cause.
A high Transferrin Saturation (TS) reading suggests iron overload in the body. This can be seen in conditions like hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder causing excessive iron absorption and accumulation in organs. High TS may also occur in liver diseases, alcohol abuse, or with certain types of anemia like thalassemia. Elevated TS doesn’t always indicate a problem, but persistent high levels warrant further investigation to prevent potential organ damage from iron toxicity. Additional tests, such as genetic testing for hemochromatosis, may be recommended.