How do you calculate transferrin saturation?

TSAT = (serum iron divided by TIBC) x 100, with both values in umol/L. For example, a serum iron of 14 and a TIBC of 60 gives a TSAT of about 23%.

What is a normal transferrin saturation?

A range of roughly 20% to 45% is commonly quoted for adults, though laboratories differ. The range printed on your own report is the one that counts. A single value is read alongside ferritin and a full blood count.

What does a low transferrin saturation mean?

A low TSAT, under about 20%, is one of the things a clinician looks at when assessing iron deficiency. It is not a diagnosis on its own, and it is interpreted with your ferritin, full blood count and symptoms.

What does a high transferrin saturation mean?

A high TSAT, over about 45%, can prompt a clinician to look into iron overload, including conditions such as haemochromatosis. On its own it is not a diagnosis, and it needs interpreting in context by your GP.

Helvy tool · Free

Transferrin Saturation Calculator

Transferrin saturation shows how much of your iron-carrying capacity is filled with iron. Enter your serum iron and TIBC in umol/L to see your TSAT and where it sits against commonly quoted bands.

Serum iron (umol/L)

TIBC (umol/L)

How this is worked out

TSAT is calculated as (serum iron ÷ TIBC) × 100, with both values in umol/L, the standard formula printed on a UK iron studies panel. A range of roughly 20% to 45% is commonly quoted for adults, but reference bands vary between laboratories, so always read the range on your own report. This is reference context only, not a diagnosis.

This tool is for general wellbeing information and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. It places the numbers you enter in context; it cannot tell you whether you have a condition. If a result concerns you, or you have symptoms, speak to your GP.

Questions

How do you calculate transferrin saturation?: TSAT = (serum iron divided by TIBC) x 100, with both values in umol/L. For example, a serum iron of 14 and a TIBC of 60 gives a TSAT of about 23%.
What is a normal transferrin saturation?: A range of roughly 20% to 45% is commonly quoted for adults, though laboratories differ. The range printed on your own report is the one that counts. A single value is read alongside ferritin and a full blood count.
What does a low transferrin saturation mean?: A low TSAT, under about 20%, is one of the things a clinician looks at when assessing iron deficiency. It is not a diagnosis on its own, and it is interpreted with your ferritin, full blood count and symptoms.
What does a high transferrin saturation mean?: A high TSAT, over about 45%, can prompt a clinician to look into iron overload, including conditions such as haemochromatosis. On its own it is not a diagnosis, and it needs interpreting in context by your GP.

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A full iron workup, iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation and total iron binding capacity, read alongside vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D and magnesium.

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Helvy

Helvy tool · Free

Transferrin Saturation Calculator

Transferrin saturation shows how much of your iron-carrying capacity is filled with iron. Enter your serum iron and TIBC in umol/L to see your TSAT and where it sits against commonly quoted bands.

Serum iron (umol/L)

TIBC (umol/L)

How this is worked out

Questions

How do you calculate transferrin saturation?: TSAT = (serum iron divided by TIBC) x 100, with both values in umol/L. For example, a serum iron of 14 and a TIBC of 60 gives a TSAT of about 23%.
What is a normal transferrin saturation?: A range of roughly 20% to 45% is commonly quoted for adults, though laboratories differ. The range printed on your own report is the one that counts. A single value is read alongside ferritin and a full blood count.
What does a low transferrin saturation mean?: A low TSAT, under about 20%, is one of the things a clinician looks at when assessing iron deficiency. It is not a diagnosis on its own, and it is interpreted with your ferritin, full blood count and symptoms.
What does a high transferrin saturation mean?: A high TSAT, over about 45%, can prompt a clinician to look into iron overload, including conditions such as haemochromatosis. On its own it is not a diagnosis, and it needs interpreting in context by your GP.

Test for this

The panel that covers this

General Energy & Wellness

17 markers

The everyday baseline, 17 biomarkers covering thyroid (TSH and Free T4), cortisol, vitamin D, B12, magnesium, the full cholesterol panel, inflammation (CRP), and core liver and kidney markers.

from £149View panel

Vitamins & Minerals

9 markers

A full iron workup, iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation and total iron binding capacity, read alongside vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D and magnesium.

from £159View panel

Compare all panels Not sure? Find my test

Transferrin Saturation Calculator

The panel that covers this

General Energy & Wellness

Vitamins & Minerals

A clearer picture of your health starts with a single drop.

Transferrin Saturation Calculator

The panel that covers this

General Energy & Wellness

Vitamins & Minerals

A clearer picture of your health starts with a single drop.