: Transferrin
: Transferrin is a protein made mainly by your liver that carries iron through your bloodstream to where your body needs it. A transferrin test measures how much of this iron-transport protein is in your blood.
[": Transferrin testing helps show whether your body has enough iron-carrying capacity or is responding to iron deficiency, iron overload, or other conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111486-7
- Short code
- Transferring
- Synonyms
- Transferring
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 200
- Ref high
- 350
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84466
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What Is Transferrin?
: Transferrin is a protein that binds iron and transports it in the blood. It is produced primarily by the liver, and measuring its level gives information about your body's iron status and how well it can move iron to tissues such as bone marrow.
: Why the Test Is Done
: Your healthcare provider may order a transferrin test as part of an iron panel to evaluate anemia, suspected iron deficiency, iron overload, or chronic illness. It can also be used to monitor liver function or nutritional status in certain situations.
: How the Test Is Performed
: The test usually requires a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. In most cases no special preparation is needed, but your provider may ask you to fast or to avoid iron supplements before the draw if other iron tests are being run at the same time.
: What the Results Can Mean
: Transferrin levels can be low, normal, or high. Low levels may occur with liver disease, inflammation, malnutrition, or iron overload, while high levels may occur with iron deficiency or during pregnancy. Results are interpreted together with other iron tests rather than on their own.
Reference range
NCBI: Transferrin 200-350 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 12 hours preferred. Iron supplements should be stopped 24 hours before if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Transferrin is part of the iron panel used to assess iron status. Changes in transferrin can help distinguish iron deficiency from anemia of chronic disease and can support evaluation of iron overload or liver and nutritional disorders. Because results depend on context, they should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, other iron tests, and medical history.
Short name
: NONE
Frequently asked questions
: Do I need to fast before a transferrin test?
: Can medicines or supplements affect transferrin results?
: Does an abnormal transferrin result mean I have a disease?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy