Transferrin » Pathology Laboratories » College of Medicine

Additional Information:

UFHPL Epic order code: LAB133

Fasting serum samples are recommended.

CPT Code(s):

84466

Specimen Requirements:

Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Serum gel

Sample Volume: Submit full tubes.

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL serum

Preparation:

Send specimens in their original tubes.
Centrifuge tubes if there is a delay in transport of more than 1 hour.

Storage: Sample is stable 40 days at -20ºC

Unacceptable Conditions: Samples with moderate or marked hemolysis will be rejected.

Specimen Retention Time: 5 days

Use:

Iron in plasma is bound to the transport protein transferrin. Transferrin is responsible for 50% to 70% of the iron binding capacity of serum.

Transferrin has two iron-binding sites and is largely, but not exclusively, synthesized by the liver. Transferrin levels rise with iron deficiency and fall in cases of iron overload. An increase in transferrin is seen in iron deficiency anemia. It may also be increased late in pregnancy and in women on oral contraceptives. It is decreased in conditions associated with increased protein loss, such as nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure, severe burns, and protein-deficiency states and in severe liver disease. Transferrin is a negative acute-phase protein and will be decreased during any inflammatory state or severe illness.

Methodology:

Immune complexes formed in solution scatter light in proportion to their size, shape and concentration. Turbidimeters measure the reduction of incident light due to reflection, absorption, or scatter. (Package Insert, OSR Special Chemistry, BAOSR6x52.02 OSR ;2012-01)

Reported:

Within 24 hours

Reference Values:

203-362 mg/dL