Transferrin saturation index was tested and I’m confused!!

[Kahlan_tf]

Hello I was wondering if anyone could help, I’ve had a couple of iron infusions and need to keep an eye on my levels Incase it’s needed again, normally I get my ferritin tested and one doctor said I need an iron infusion if I’m ferritin drops below 100, in the past few months it’s gone from 260 to 106, however my last blood test they tested my transferrin saturation index as I’ve attached a picture of and it says normal no action needed but I can’t compare it to my last blood test and don’t fully understand what it means, docs have been very uncooperative with this as I’m with a new doctor now, any help would be much appreciated!!

[JanD236]

I’m sorry I don’t have an answer for you but just to mention that this forum has discussions about pernicious anaemia which is a particular type of anaemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12. This is different from iron deficiency anaemia.

[Kahlan_tf in reply to JanD236]

Sorry I do have pernicious anaemia as well as iron deficiency anaemia and know it’s quite common for people to have both so was just hoping someone might have an insight

[JanD236 in reply to Kahlan_tf]

Ah ok, I hope someone can help.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Link about iron tests

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

"but I can’t compare it to my last blood test"

Why can't you compare it to last test?

Is it because the units used are different or because you don't have a copy of last test results?

[Kahlan_tf in reply to Sleepybunny]

I can’t compare as it’s different, my last one just tested my ferritin levels and this one didn’t,

Thanks for the link

[FlipperTD]

You can't compare these tests because it's an 'apples and oranges' thing.

Transferrin is an iron transport protein, and ferritin is an iron storage protein. Then there's 'serum iron' which is yet another test.

Low transferrin saturation typically indicates iron deficiency.

Total Iron Binding Capacity [TIBC] typically rises in iron deficiency too.

Technically, serum ferritin is the easiest test to perform, but sometimes the requesting doctor will have a reason for requesting other tests besides. I hope this isn't too confusing!

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

I am currently trying to up my ferritin levels on the advice of GP and Oral medicine consultant: over the last 4 years, my usual readings have been anywhere from 36 ug/L to 66.2 ug/L (after 3 month NHS supplement) - and waver around a bit, but are still within range. Both GP and consultant suggested to aim for about 80 ug/L.

The normal serum ferritin range is from 13 ug/L to 150 ug/L. Your laboratory's range may be slightly different, but not significantly.

I hope this helps.

[Stayfocussed]

Transferrin sats needs to be at least 20 but preferably 23-45 and if low means iron defiency and your iron is on the low side at 10.5...range 5-30