Transferrin

CPT Code(s):
84466

Turnaround Time:
24 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Serum

Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL

Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST)

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
8 hours

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
30 days

Clinical Significance

Transferrin holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in evaluating the body's iron status and identifying certain medical conditions. Here are some key points regarding its clinical significance:

1. Iron Status Assessment: Transferrin is a protein responsible for transporting iron throughout the body. Transferrin helps assess the body's iron status by measuring the level of transferrin in the blood. Low transferrin levels may indicate iron deficiency, while high levels can be seen in conditions associated with iron overload.

2. Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is insufficient iron available for red blood cell production. Transferrin, in conjunction with other iron studies, can help diagnose iron deficiency anemia. A decrease in transferrin levels, along with low serum iron and ferritin levels, suggests iron deficiency as the underlying cause of anemia.

3. Monitoring Iron Therapy: Transferrin is useful in monitoring the response to iron therapy. For patients receiving iron supplementation or undergoing treatment for iron deficiency, periodic transferrin measurements can assess the effectiveness of therapy and guide adjustments in dosage or duration.

4. Assessing Liver Function: Transferrin synthesis primarily occurs in the liver. Abnormal transferrin levels may indicate liver dysfunction or disease. Low transferrin levels can be associated with chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or protein deficiency, while high levels may be observed in acute inflammatory conditions.

5. Evaluating Protein-Energy Malnutrition: Transferrin is considered a negative acute-phase reactant, meaning its levels tend to decrease during acute inflammation and infection. In cases of severe protein-energy malnutrition, transferrin levels can be significantly reduced. Monitoring transferrin levels helps evaluate the nutritional status of patients, especially in the context of malnutrition.

In summary, Transferrin plays a crucial role in assessing iron status, diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, monitoring iron therapy, evaluating liver function, and assessing protein-energy malnutrition. By measuring transferrin levels, healthcare providers gain valuable insights into the patient's iron metabolism, allowing for appropriate management and treatment of iron-related conditions.