1. What is Transferrin Serum Iron Saturation?

Transferrin saturation is a medical laboratory value that represents the percentage of iron-binding sites on transferrin that are occupied by iron. It is an important indicator of iron status in the body and helps diagnose various iron-related disorders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the transferrin saturation formula:

Where:

• Serum Iron — Amount of iron circulating in the blood (μg/dL)
• UIBC — Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (μg/dL)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of transferrin iron-binding sites that are occupied by iron, providing insight into the body's iron availability and utilization.

3. Importance of Transferrin Saturation Calculation

Details: Transferrin saturation is crucial for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, iron overload conditions (hemochromatosis), and monitoring iron therapy. Abnormal levels can indicate various metabolic disorders and help guide appropriate treatment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum iron and UIBC values in μg/dL. Both values must be valid positive numbers. The calculator will compute the transferrin saturation percentage automatically.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the normal range for transferrin saturation?
A: Normal transferrin saturation typically ranges from 20% to 50%. Values below 20% may indicate iron deficiency, while values above 50% may suggest iron overload.

Q2: How does transferrin saturation differ from serum ferritin?
A: Transferrin saturation measures current iron availability, while serum ferritin reflects iron stores in the body. Both tests provide complementary information about iron status.

Q3: When should transferrin saturation be tested?
A: Testing is recommended when iron deficiency or overload is suspected, during routine health checkups, or when monitoring response to iron therapy.

Q4: What factors can affect transferrin saturation results?
A: Recent iron supplementation, inflammation, liver disease, and certain medications can affect results. Fasting samples are often preferred for accurate measurement.

Q5: How often should transferrin saturation be monitored?
A: Frequency depends on the clinical situation. For iron deficiency treatment, monitoring every 3-4 months may be appropriate. For hemochromatosis, more frequent monitoring may be needed initially.