Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Transferrin saturation
Introduction
Transferrin saturation, measured as a percentage, is a medical laboratory value. It is the ratio of serum iron and total iron-binding capacity, multiplied by 100. For an explanation of some clinical situations in which this ratio is important, see Total iron-binding capacity. The three results are usually reported together.
Usual values
- Serum iron: 60-170 mcg/dl
- TIBC: 240-450 mcg/dl
- Transferrin saturation: 20-50%
mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliter.
Laboratories often use different units and “normal” may vary by population and the lab techniques used. Look at the individual laboratory reference values to interpret a specific test (for instance, your own).
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]