Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR), Serum

The uptake of iron by cells is mediated by a transferrin receptor (TfR). TfR is shed from cells by proteolytic cleavage just external to the plasma membrane and circulates in the blood as soluble TfR (sTfR). The amount of circulating sTfR is proportional to the total amount of cell//associated TfR. TfR expression is unregulated when a cell needs more iron, therefore, circulating sTfR concentrations are increased in plasma or serum of an iron-deficient subject.

Serum sTfR is useful in the diagnosis of iron deficiency, especially in patients with chronic inflammatory, infectious or malignant disease, where the usual tests of iron status may be misleading.

2 ml Serum Room Temperature

1.8 - 4.6 mg/L