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Minerals

Transferrin: Normal Values and What a High Result Means

Transferrin is a key marker for understanding iron transport. Including it in your health screening provides a more complete picture of iron metabolism for early intervention.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
g/l
Low 2 Normal 3.5 High
Female Your group
g/l
Low 2 Normal 3.5 High

Source: NVKC Reference population: Dutch adults (NVKC)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

Transferrin: what this test measures

This test measures the amount of transferrin protein in your blood. It is used alongside serum iron and ferritin to assess iron metabolism and diagnose iron-related conditions.

Transferrin: why this value matters

Transferrin levels help determine whether your body is getting enough iron and transporting it effectively. Abnormal levels may indicate iron deficiency, overload, liver disease, or chronic conditions. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

Transferrin: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €23,- Iron Studies · €89,- · Anemia · €132,- · InsideTracker Endurance · €159,- · InsideTracker · €399,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Transferrin: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing is typically ordered as part of an iron panel when investigating anaemia, unexplained fatigue, or suspected iron metabolism disorders.

Transferrin: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low transferrin may be associated with iron overload, liver disease, chronic inflammation, or malnutrition. It can reduce the body's ability to manage iron levels properly.

High Levels

High transferrin is commonly seen in iron deficiency, as the body produces more transferrin to capture limited iron. It may also increase during pregnancy.

Transferrin: lifestyle and this value

Maintaining a balanced diet with adequate iron from both animal and plant sources supports healthy transferrin function. If your levels are abnormal, work with your healthcare provider on appropriate interventions.

Transferrin: frequently asked questions

What is transferrin saturation?

Transferrin saturation is the percentage of transferrin that is carrying iron. It helps evaluate how efficiently your body is using its iron transport capacity. Your healthcare provider can explain your results.

How is transferrin different from ferritin?

Transferrin transports iron in the blood, while ferritin stores iron in cells. Together, they provide a complete picture of iron metabolism.

Can pregnancy affect transferrin levels?

Yes, transferrin levels commonly rise during pregnancy as the body increases iron transport to support fetal development.

Transferrin: sources

  1. Nederlandse Vereniging voor Klinische Chemie en Laboratoriumgeneeskunde. Alles over testen. Over AFP: "De referentiewaarden kunnen verschillen tussen laboratoria, afhankelijk van de methode. Ga daarom uitsluitend af op de referentiewaarden van het laboratorium dat het onderzoek heeft uitgevoerd en interpreteer nooit AFP-uitslagen van verschillende laboratoria door elkaar." Geraadpleegd 14 juli 2026. (retrieved 2026) allesovertesten.nl

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

InsideTracker

InsideTracker

An InsideTracker blood test with 35 biomarkers: heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status. Measured in the Netherlands.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count HOMA-IR Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€399,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

Transferrin

€23,-