Transferrin Saturation Calculator
The Transferrin Saturation Calculator estimates your transferrin saturation percentage using Serum Iron and TIBC or UIBC levels. This tool helps patients and healthcare providers quickly assess iron status and identify potential imbalances. Whether you are diagnosing anemia, monitoring iron therapy, or screening for hemochromatosis, this tool offers immediate clarity. Understanding your saturation helps you make informed decisions about your health.
How Transferrin Saturation Is Calculated
Transferrin saturation measures how much iron is attached to the blood protein that carries iron throughout your body.
Transferrin Saturation (%) = (Serum Iron ÷ TIBC) × 100
Where:
- Serum Iron = The amount of iron in your blood
- TIBC = Total Iron-Binding Capacity (or Serum Iron + UIBC)
First, the tool divides your Serum Iron level by your Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC). If you only have UIBC, it adds Serum Iron and UIBC to find TIBC first. Then, it multiplies the result by 100 to get a percentage. This ratio is crucial because it reveals exactly how full your iron transport system is at any given time. This method follows clinical guidelines for assessing iron metabolism.
What Your Transferrin Saturation Means
The result tells you if your body has enough iron to function properly or if it is struggling to transport it.
| Range | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Below 15% | Low | Consider increasing iron intake or supplements to address potential deficiency. |
| 15% - 50% | Normal | Maintain your current diet and lifestyle habits to ensure balance. |
| Above 50% | High | Consult a healthcare provider to check for iron overload conditions. |
Below 15%: This range often indicates iron deficiency anemia. You may need to eat more iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, and spinach, or take supplements.
15% to 50%: Your iron levels are balanced. Your "iron trucks" are carrying the right amount of oxygen to your cells.
Above 50%: High saturation can mean iron overload. This excess iron can damage organs like the liver and heart, so further testing is often needed.
Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
For the most accurate tracking, try to have your blood tests done at the same time of day, as iron levels fluctuate naturally.