Transferrin (TIBC) Blood Test

Although ferritin is an indicator of cellular iron stores in healthy subjects, it provides little information on iron turnover in the body. Transferrin is a “shuttle protein”, mainly synthesized in the liver, and its principal role is to transport ionic iron to the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

A transferrin test is carried out to directly measure the level of iron in the blood and also the body's ability to transport iron in the blood. The transferrin blood test is ordered if the doctor suspects abnormalities of iron levels in your body. The tests help diagnose chronic iron overload or deficiency.

The normal range for transferrin is 204 to 360 mg/dl.

What does a low transferrin level mean?

Low transferrin can impair hemoglobin production (since to make hemoglobin, you have to have iron) and so lead to anemia. Low transferrin can be due to poor production of transferrin by the liver (where it's made) or excessive loss of transferrin through the kidneys into the urine.

What does it mean if my transferrin is high?

A high TIBC, UIBC, or transferrin usually indicates iron deficiency, but they are also increased in pregnancy and with the use of oral contraceptives. A low TIBC, UIBC, or transferrin may also occur if someone has malnutrition, inflammation, liver disease, or nephrotic syndrome.