Transferriinisaturaatio

Transferriinisaturaatio, often abbreviated as TSAT, is a laboratory test that measures the percentage of transferrin, a protein responsible for transporting iron in the blood, that is saturated with iron. It is a key indicator of iron status in the body and is frequently used in clinical settings to assess and monitor iron deficiency, iron overload, and the effectiveness of iron therapy.

The test is typically performed on a blood sample. Transferrin is synthesized in the liver, and its primary function is to bind to dietary iron and transport it to various cells, such as red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow. When iron levels are adequate, a significant portion of transferrin will be bound to iron. Conversely, when iron stores are depleted, less transferrin will be saturated with iron.

A normal transferriinisaturaatio typically ranges from 20% to 50% in adult males and 15% to 45% in adult females, although specific reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories. A low transferriinisaturaatio (below 15-20%) is often indicative of iron deficiency anemia. This means the body does not have enough iron to adequately saturate the available transferrin. Conversely, a high transferriinisaturaatio (above 50%) can suggest iron overload conditions, such as hemochromatosis, where the body absorbs and stores excessive amounts of iron.

Transferriinisaturaatio is often interpreted in conjunction with other iron-related tests, such as serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), to provide a comprehensive picture of iron metabolism. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing a variety of conditions related to iron balance.