Transferrin Saturation
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- %
Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) is a calculated percentage [(Serum Iron / TIBC) x 100]. Within an Iron Deficiency Profile, it represents the amount of iron currently available to the bone marrow for erythropoiesis. It is often the most sensitive indicator of iron deficiency, frequently dropping before the hemoglobin or even ferritin in certain clinical contexts.
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Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
TSAT relies on serum iron, which has a significant diurnal variation (highest in the morning) and is affected by recent dietary intake. Furthermore, during chronic inflammation (Anemia of Chronic Disease), TSAT can be low even if total body iron stores are high, because iron is 'locked away' from the circulation.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Transferrin Saturation:
Official Sources
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Transferrin Saturation Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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