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 various iron-related disorders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Transferrin Saturation formula:

Where:

• \( Iron \) — Serum iron concentration in µmol/L
• \( TIBC \) — Total Iron-Binding Capacity in µmol/L

Explanation: The equation calculates the percentage of transferrin iron-binding sites that are actually occupied by iron molecules.

3. Importance of TS Calculation

Details: Transferrin Saturation is crucial for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis, and monitoring iron therapy effectiveness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both Iron and TIBC values in µmol/L. Both values must be valid positive numbers. The calculator will compute the Transferrin Saturation percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How is this different from US units?
A: This calculator uses UK units (µmol/L). US units typically use µg/dL for iron and may require conversion (1 µg/dL = 0.179 µmol/L).

Q3: When should Transferrin Saturation be measured?
A: TS should be measured when investigating anemia, suspected iron overload, or monitoring iron therapy. Morning fasting samples are preferred.

Q4: What factors can affect TS results?
A: Recent iron supplementation, inflammation, liver disease, and recent blood transfusions can affect TS measurements.

Q5: Is TS used alone for diagnosis?
A: No, TS should be interpreted alongside serum ferritin, complete blood count, and clinical context for accurate diagnosis.