TransferrinKonzentration

TransferrinKonzentration refers to the measured level of transferrin in the blood serum. Transferrin is the primary iron-binding protein in the plasma, synthesized by the liver. Its main function is to transport iron from absorption sites in the small intestine and from the breakdown of red blood cells to the bone marrow for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production), as well as to other tissues like the liver for storage.

Measuring transferrin concentration is a common diagnostic tool in clinical medicine, particularly in the evaluation of iron metabolism disorders. Elevated transferrin levels are often seen in conditions of iron deficiency anemia. This occurs because, in the absence of sufficient iron, the body produces more transferrin in an attempt to maximize iron uptake. Conversely, transferrin levels tend to be lower in conditions of iron overload, such as hemochromatosis, where the body has an excess of iron, and also in inflammatory states and protein-losing conditions.

Transferrin saturation, which is the percentage of transferrin that is bound to iron, is often measured alongside transferrin concentration to provide a more comprehensive picture of iron status. While transferrin concentration indicates the body's capacity to transport iron, transferrin saturation indicates how much of that capacity is currently being utilized. Laboratory reference ranges for transferrin concentration vary slightly between different facilities.