Soluble Transferrin Receptor

Soluble Transferrin Receptor
Iron metabolism: Transferrin receptor. (Soluble) Method: TURB ROCHE Diagnostics

The level of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is increased in iron deficiency.

• If the sTfR level is elevated in someone with anemia, there is a good chance that the person has anemia with iron deficiency.
• If the level is within the normal range, it is more likely that the person's anemia is due to another cause, such as chronic illness or inflammation.
• A decreasing sTfR level indicates an increase in iron reserve in a person treated with iron supplements.
• Low sTfR levels can be observed in hemochromatosis (a condition associated with iron accumulation), but the test is not usually used to monitor this condition.

Genes of African-American descent may have moderately elevated sTfR levels, including people living at higher elevations.

Testing may not be useful in people who have inherited conditions that affect hemoglobin production or function, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia. Test results may be elevated in people with red blood cell rupture (hemolysis) or recent blood loss.

An elevated sTfR level is not as specific for iron deficiency as, say, a very low level of ferritin. When a person is not iron deficient, the amount of sTfR in the blood reflects the rate of red blood cell production by the bone marrow. Soluble transferrin receptor tests are not routinely performed to evaluate this process.

Follow-up test advised by clinical biochemist following abnormal results of iron accumulation study:
While a reduced iron saturation fraction is an indication of reduced plasma iron turnover, if the depot iron status is not abnormal then it is likely that there is a disturbance in iron distribution or mobilization (e.g., acute or chronic inflammatory processes, renal insufficiency). To assess the functional iron supply, we recommend the determination of the "soluble transferrin receptor" (serum).

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