What is Transferrin?
the protein that carries iron
Transferrin is the protein that binds and transports iron. In iron deficiency the body produces more transferrin to capture available iron.
Transferrin rises in response to iron deficiency and falls with chronic inflammation or liver damage. It is used together with iron and ferritin to assess iron status as a whole.
Test facts
- Unit
- g/L
- Sample
- Serum
- Fasting
- No fasting needed
- Turnaround
- 2 days
What does low Transferrin mean?
Low transferrin can reflect chronic inflammation, liver disease, or protein deficiency.
What does high Transferrin mean?
High transferrin is a classic sign of iron deficiency.
Panels that measure Transferrin
- Deep Baseline
- Iron & Anaemia
More markers in the same area
Launching in Stockholm in 2026.
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This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: May 2026.