Transferrin blood test
In short
A typical adult transferrin result is 200 to 400 mg/dL. A high transferrin is a common sign of low iron stores. Pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy can also raise it. Always read your result against the range printed on your own report.
The protein that carries iron through the blood.
Transferrin is the main protein that carries iron in the blood. The liver makes more of it when iron stores are low, and less during inflammation or poor nutrition. Some labs measure it instead of TIBC, total iron-binding capacity, and the two tell a similar story.
Is my Transferrin high or low?
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Typical range
| For | Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 200–400 | mg/dL |
| Adults | 2–4 | g/L |
Typical ranges for adults. Labs differ a little, so the range printed next to your result is the one to go by.
If your Transferrin is high
A high transferrin is a common sign of low iron stores. Pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy can also raise it.
Common reasons
- Low iron stores, most often from heavy periods or too little iron
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills or hormone therapy
- Less often: slow, hidden bleeding from the stomach or bowel
If your Transferrin is low
A low transferrin often goes with inflammation, liver disease or low protein from poor nutrition. It can also be low when the body holds too much iron.
Common reasons
- A recent infection or ongoing inflammation
- Low protein levels, from poor nutrition or illness
- Iron overload, such as hemochromatosis (an inherited iron-storage condition)
- Less often: liver scarring (cirrhosis) or kidney disease that leaks protein
What can throw it off
Pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy raise transferrin, while inflammation lowers it.
Questions to take to your appointment
- 1Should my ferritin and iron be read alongside this?
- 2Could a recent illness or inflammation be affecting it?
- 3Could my hormones, pregnancy or medicines play a part?
Read together with
Doctors rarely read Transferrin alone. These usually sit next to it.
Quick answers
What is the transferrin blood test?
Transferrin: The protein that carries iron through the blood. Transferrin is the main protein that carries iron in the blood. The liver makes more of it when iron stores are low, and less during inflammation or poor nutrition. Some labs measure it instead of TIBC, total iron-binding capacity, and the two tell a similar story.
What is a normal transferrin level?
For most adults, transferrin is typically 200 to 400 mg/dL. Some countries print it in g/L, so check the unit first. Labs differ a little, so the range printed next to your result is the one to go by.
What does a high transferrin mean?
A high transferrin is a common sign of low iron stores. Pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy can also raise it. Common reasons include low iron stores, most often from heavy periods or too little iron; pregnancy; birth control pills or hormone therapy; and less often: slow, hidden bleeding from the stomach or bowel. A doctor reads it together with your other results and how you feel.
What does a low transferrin mean?
A low transferrin often goes with inflammation, liver disease or low protein from poor nutrition. It can also be low when the body holds too much iron. Common reasons include a recent infection or ongoing inflammation; low protein levels, from poor nutrition or illness; iron overload, such as hemochromatosis (an inherited iron-storage condition); and less often: liver scarring (cirrhosis) or kidney disease that leaks protein.
What can affect my transferrin result?
Pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy raise transferrin, while inflammation lowers it.
What should I ask my doctor about my transferrin?
Questions worth taking to the appointment: Should my ferritin and iron be read alongside this? Could a recent illness or inflammation be affecting it? Could my hormones, pregnancy or medicines play a part?
What this page can’t do
It reads each number on its own.
Doctors read results together — ALT with AST, ferritin with hemoglobin, TSH with free T4. A pattern says more than any single flag.
It doesn't know you.
Your age, your medicines, how you feel and your last result all change what a number means.
It doesn't remember.
Close this page and your results are gone. That's on purpose: nothing was ever sent to us.
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