Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. A laboratory result should be interpreted with related tests, symptoms, medical history, and the reference information on the report.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Clinical decision cutoffs, when relevant, are shown separately.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Professional assessment is appropriate when a result is markedly outside the reference interval, serious symptoms are present, an abnormality persists or recurs, or follow-up has been recommended.

Information about a laboratory test

Transferrin: What Does This Blood Test Measure?

Measures transferrin, the main protein that transports iron in the blood.

Test summary

Test name: Transferrin
Abbreviations: Transferrin
Category: Iron Metabolism
Panel: Iron Studies
Specimen: Serum
Common units: mg/dL, g/L

What does the test measure?

Measures transferrin, the main protein that transports iron in the blood.

Why is the test ordered?

May be used with serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, and transferrin saturation when evaluating iron metabolism.

Information about a low result

Low transferrin can occur with inflammation, liver disease, protein loss, or inadequate nutrition, among other conditions.

Information about a high result

High transferrin may be associated with patterns of iron deficiency and can also be affected by hormonal and physiologic factors.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Reference intervals may vary by laboratory, method, unit, age, sex, pregnancy, specimen, and other conditions. Numeric records in this workbook are explicitly labeled as either source-based example reference intervals or clinical decision cutoffs.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Transferrin and TIBC are closely related but are not the same measurement. The laboratory report should be checked to see which test was performed.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Hematology
Gastroenterology

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Iron Tests — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Serum iron, transferrin, TIBC, ferritin; combined interpretation · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Total iron binding capacity — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2026 · TIBC definition and interpretation · Verified: Aug 11, 2026