Transferrin saturation (TS)

The transferrin saturation is the ratio of the serum iron concentration and the TIBC expressed as a percentage. Iron studies, which typically include total serum iron level, TIBC, transferrin, and transferrin saturation, are essential for diagnosing patients suspected of iron deficiency, overload, or poisoning. Other laboratory evaluations may be included in iron studies that may be utilized to evaluate specific inflammatory processes.

Transferrin-iron saturation percentage: 25% to 35%.

What does it mean if transferrin saturation is low?

Transferrin saturations of less than 20% indicate iron deficiency because, despite the presence of iron in the body, it is not readily available for use.

Why is my iron saturation high but ferritin normal?

Transferrin saturations of more than 50% suggest iron overload. Transferrin saturation is decreased with iron deficiency.

Excess iron and iron overload can facilitate the occurrence of a variety of diseases, including cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and cancer. Pathologic iron accumulation affects many organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and heart, among others. The most commonly encountered iron overload disorders are primary and secondary hemochromatosis.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559119/