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Transferrin Saturation Test
  Transferrin Saturation Test
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The transferrin saturation test is a sensitive and relatively inexpensive biochemical measure of iron overloading. Colds, inflammation, liver disease, and malignancies can falsely lower test values.

Function

Transferrin is a blood protein that picks up iron absorbed by the intestines and transports it from one location to another. When iron absorption is abnormally high, transferrin proteins become more saturated with iron. An elevated test value therefore reflects an increase in iron absorption.

Directions
Several factors can falsely elevate test values, including the use of vitamin C, dietary supplements containing iron, medicinal iron, and estrogen preparations. Patients should avoid these products for 24 hours prior to the fasting blood draw. The placebos contained in some oral contraceptive packages may contain iron. These iron-containing placebos should be avoided for 24 hours prior to the fasting blood draw.





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MetabolicIcon  Hemochromatosis (Iron overload)
SpacerWhy The first step in working up a patient with suspected iron overload is the transferrin saturation measurement in a fasting blood draw. Pathologic blood loss or a history of frequent blood donations should be considered reasons for normal iron status in patients who nevertheless have symptoms consistent with hemochromatosis.
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TickSpacerHighly recommended



GLOSSARY

Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.

Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.

Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.




Last updated: Mar 16, 2010
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