Transferrin. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Transferrin test – an immunoturbidimetric venous blood test to assess transferrins’ ability to bind and transport iron ions.
Transferrin test – an immunoturbidimetric venous blood test to assess transferrins’ ability to bind and transport iron ions.
General Information
Transferrin, a glycosylated circulating protein, binds iron ions and transports them from the small intestine to other organs and tissues. Iron from food accumulates in the intestinal mucosa, where one transferrin molecule binds two iron ions at a 1 g to 1.25 mg ratio. This percentage is a calculated value indicating serum iron-binding capacity: 10-50% in children under 14, 15-50% from 14-60, and 8-50% post-60.
In women, transferrin levels are 10% higher, rising up to 50% in the third trimester of pregnancy. Production decreases with age. Measured in grams per liter (g/L):
- Newborns – 1.3-2.75;
- Children/teens under 16 – 2.03-3.60;
- Men under 60 – 2.15-3.65;
- Women under 60 – 2.50-3.80;
- Over 60 – 1.90-3.47.
It also aids hematopoiesis, innate immunity, and has strong bactericidal properties.
Excess levels signal iron deficiency, potentially indicating anemia, and decrease with oral contraceptives or estrogens.
Low levels may suggest hereditary conditions like atransferrinemia, or acquired ones like cancer, myelomas, hemochromatosis, cirrhosis, chronic inflammation, extensive burns, or gastroenteropathy.
Medications, excessive iron-rich food, or mineral-vitamin supplements causing iron overload also reduce protein production.
Protein synthesis speed depends on liver condition, functionality, and the body’s iron needs and reserves.
Indications for Transferrin Testing
A general practitioner, oncologist, or hematologist may order this test during diagnosis and treatment of anemia, parasitic invasions, infections, or tumors.
How Is the Transferrin Test Conducted?
Follow these recommendations:
- Draw blood fasting in the morning, last meal 8 hours prior;
- Only plain water allowed;
- Stop iron-containing drugs/foods 2-3 days before;
- No smoking or exercise 30 minutes prior.
A specialist draws venous blood. The patient sits, places an extended arm on a surface, a tourniquet is applied above the elbow, and the patient clenches/unclenches their fist for 10-15 minutes to boost blood flow. A syringe collects the sample, and a sterile bandage covers the puncture site.
Completion Time for Transferrin Testing
Results are available the next day, or within 3-4 hours at some centers.
Prices and Clinics
A list of specialized medical facilities is available on the website.
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