The percentage of iron-binding capacity that is filled, a core iron marker.
Transferrin saturation, also called iron saturation, shows how much of your iron-carrying protein transferrin is actually loaded with iron. It is a calculated value, not a separate measurement.
The formula is: transferrin saturation (%) = serum iron divided by total iron-binding capacity, multiplied by 100. It tells you the proportion of available transport capacity that is being used.
Transferrin saturation is one of the best everyday markers of iron supply. A low value points to iron deficiency, while a high value can suggest iron overload, including conditions like haemochromatosis.
Because it combines iron and iron-binding capacity in one ratio, it gives a clearer picture of iron availability than either value alone.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Typical adult guidance:
| Result | Range |
|---|---|
| Transferrin saturation | 20 to 45 % |
Below about 20% suggests low iron supply, above about 45 to 50% can suggest iron overload. Ranges vary by lab; read your result against the local interval.
Serum iron swings through the day and after meals or iron supplements, so a morning, fasting sample is preferred. Recent iron intake can falsely raise the result. Inflammation affects the components differently.
Read alongside ferritin, serum iron, and total iron-binding capacity for a full iron status picture.
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