1. What is Transferrin Saturation?

Transferrin Saturation (TS %) is a medical laboratory value that represents the percentage of iron-binding sites on transferrin that are occupied by iron. It's a key indicator of iron status in the body and helps diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Transferrin Saturation formula:

Where:

• \( Fe \) — Serum iron concentration (μg/dL)
• \( TIBC \) — Total Iron Binding Capacity (μg/dL)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of transferrin iron-binding sites that are actually occupied by iron, providing insight into the body's iron availability and utilization.

3. Importance of TS Calculation

Details: Transferrin Saturation is crucial for diagnosing iron-related disorders. Low TS indicates iron deficiency, while high TS may suggest iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis. It helps guide appropriate treatment and monitor therapy effectiveness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum iron and TIBC values in μg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers. Typical reference ranges: Iron 50-170 μg/dL, TIBC 250-450 μg/dL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the normal range for Transferrin Saturation?
A: Normal TS ranges from 20% to 50%. Values below 20% suggest iron deficiency, while values above 50% may indicate iron overload.

Q2: How does TS differ from serum ferritin?
A: TS measures current iron availability, while ferritin reflects iron storage. Both are important for comprehensive iron status assessment.

Q3: When should TS be measured?
A: Morning fasting samples are recommended. Avoid testing after iron supplementation or blood transfusions for accurate results.

Q4: What factors can affect TS results?
A: Recent iron intake, inflammation, liver disease, and certain medications can influence TS levels. Clinical context is important for interpretation.

Q5: Can TS be used alone for diagnosis?
A: No, TS should be interpreted alongside other iron studies (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC) and clinical findings for accurate diagnosis.