Elevated transferrin saturation

What it means

An above normal level of saturation of serum transferrin with iron.

Transferrins are iron-binding blood plasma glycoproteins that control the level of free iron in biological fluids. The transferrin saturation test (TSAT) refers to the ratio of serum iron to total iron-binding capacity, expressed as a percentage. Transferrin saturations of less than 20% indicate iron deficiency, while transferrin saturations of more than 50% suggest iron overload. Note that the results of the TSAT can be influenced by inflammation.

Rare diseases that can present with this5

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category