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Biochemistry Anaemia & Blood Home collection available

Transferrin saturation

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report inSame day

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn same day

About this test

Transferrin saturation tells what percentage of the iron-carrying protein (transferrin) is actually filled with iron. It is calculated from serum iron and TIBC and is one of the best simple markers of iron deficiency and iron overload.

Why is this test done?

  • Confirm iron deficiency
  • Screen for iron overload
  • Monitor iron treatment
  • Find the cause of anaemia

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Joint pain or darkening of skin (iron overload)
  • Breathlessness

Normal range

Men 20 – 50 %
Women 15 – 50 %

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

High saturation means more iron than usual is in circulation and may be getting stored in organs.

Common reasons
  • Haemochromatosis
  • Frequent blood transfusions
  • Excess iron supplements
  • Some liver diseases

If your result is low

Low saturation means there is not enough iron for making red blood cells.

Common reasons
  • Iron deficiency
  • Blood loss
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic inflammation

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

No. It is calculated from the serum iron and TIBC results on the same sample.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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