Normal Transferrin Range
The normal serum transferrin range is 200-400 mg/dL (or approximately 2.0-4.0 g/L). 1
Reference Values and Context
The transferrin level serves as an indicator of iron status and is proportional to the body's iron needs 1. This biomarker is measured alongside other iron parameters to comprehensively assess iron metabolism 1.
Key Points About Transferrin Measurement:
- Standard range: 200-400 mg/dL across adult populations 1
- What it measures: The iron-binding capacity of transferrin protein in circulation 1
- Clinical significance: Transferrin levels typically decrease in iron deficiency states 1
Related Iron Parameters
When evaluating iron status, transferrin should be interpreted alongside:
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): 250-370 mg/dL (45-66 mmol/L), which represents the capacity of transferrin to bind with iron 1
- Transferrin saturation: 20-50%, calculated as (serum iron/TIBC) × 100 1
- Serum iron: 50-175 mg/dL 1
Important Clinical Caveats
Inflammation significantly affects transferrin levels. 1 Transferrin is influenced by inflammatory conditions, which can complicate interpretation in patients with acute or chronic inflammation, infection, or liver disease 1.
Specific Considerations:
- In liver disease, transferrin levels may be reduced due to impaired hepatic synthesis, independent of iron status 2, 3
- Chronic inflammation can lower transferrin concentrations regardless of actual iron stores 1
- Pregnancy and oral contraceptive use can elevate transferrin levels 1
- Malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, and malignancies can decrease transferrin 1
The day-to-day variation in transferrin is less than that for serum iron concentration, making it a more stable marker 1.