Transferrin, Serum/Plasma

Transferrin is an iron-binding monomeric glycoprotein that carries ferric iron between the sites of its absorption, storage, and utilisation. Transferrin is an important factor in cellular processes and seems to play complex physiological roles related to cell function, differentiation, and proliferation. Although transferrin is essentially synthesised in the foetal and adult liver, small amounts of transferrin are also synthesised in testis, spleen, kidneys and brain.

Increased transferrin levels are seen in iron deficiency and pregnancy. Because ferritin levels fall with iron deficiency and generalised malnutrition but remain normal in the presence of inflammation and malignany, the combination of transferrin and ferritin is useful in differentiating these disorders. Decreased transferrin levels are seen in any disorder associated with inflammation or necrosis such as chronic inflammation or malignancy, with generalised malnutrition, the nephrotic syndrome, multiple myeloma and hepatocellular disease. In addition, levels of transferrin fall with iron overload and hereditary haemochromatosis.

1 ml Serum 1 ml Li-Heparin Plasma Stability: 8 Days at 15-25 °C 8 Days at 2-8 °C 6 Months at (-15)-(-25) °C

Separate serum from cells as soon as possible. Avoid haemolysed or severely lipemic samples.

200-360 mg/dL 2.0-3.6 g/L