Transferrin in a Gastrointestinal Sample — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of transferrin in a gastrointestinal sample, such as stool or fluid. It may help evaluate for hidden gastrointestinal bleeding.
["This test can support the evaluation of hidden gastrointestinal bleeding when interpreted with other findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 86271-4
- Short code
- Transferrin.gastrointestinal Stl IA-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Transferrin.gastrointestinal Stl IA-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Clean container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 g
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures transferrin, a blood protein, in a gastrointestinal sample. Transferrin can remain detectable in the digestive tract after bleeding, so it may be used to help identify hidden gastrointestinal blood loss.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test if you have symptoms that could suggest gastrointestinal bleeding, such as unexplained fatigue, weakness, dizziness, low blood iron, or dark stools. It is generally interpreted together with your symptoms and other laboratory tests.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory measures transferrin in the gastrointestinal specimen provided. The result is reported as a mass concentration, and a stool sample or other gastrointestinal sample may require special collection instructions.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your healthcare professional or laboratory. Depending on the required specimen, you may need to collect stool or another gastrointestinal sample in a specific container; do not fast unless you are told to do so.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated result may support the presence of hidden gastrointestinal bleeding, including bleeding that is not obvious from stool color. A result within the laboratory's expected range makes bleeding less likely but does not completely exclude it. Results should be reviewed with your clinician because transferrin measurement is not specific enough to identify the source of bleeding by itself.
Short name
Gastrointestinal transferrin
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose gastrointestinal bleeding?
Is gastrointestinal transferrin the same as a serum iron test?
Can medications or food affect the result?
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