Iron

Transferrin is a protein that moves iron from the intestine to cells that need it. The iron test measures how much iron transferrin carries. The blood's iron content fluctuates throughout the day and from day to day. Therefore, if an iron blood (serum) test is taken in isolation, it is not a helpful indicator of iron status. For this reason, serum iron is frequently asked for in addition to other iron status tests. Transferrin, ferritin, TIBC (total iron binding capacity), and UIBC (unbound iron binding capacity) are a few examples of these tests. If a physician detects iron poisoning or diseases related to high iron storage, they will order iron tests. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause excessive iron accumulation, although it can also happen after receiving several blood transfusions. Measurements are made of both transferrin and iron concentrations if iron excess is suspected. The extent of the iron overload can then be calculated using transferrin saturation. Transferrin saturation indicates how much iron is being carried by the blood and how much more it can hold.