Soluble Transferrin Receptor Serum

The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) serum test is a laboratory test that measures the amount of blood sTfR, a protein that is involved in the transport of iron in the body.

The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) serum test is done for various reasons, including:

1. To diagnose iron deficiency anemia
2. To differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease: sTfR levels are not affected in anemia of chronic disease, while they are elevated in iron deficiency anemia.
3. To monitor iron status in patients with chronic kidney disease: sTfR levels may be used to assess iron status in patients with chronic kidney disease, who are at risk of both iron deficiency and iron overload.
4. To assess response to iron therapy: sTfR levels may be used to monitor response to iron therapy in individuals with iron deficiency anemia.
5. To evaluate erythropoietin therapy: sTfR levels may be used to assess the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
6. To screen for iron overload disorders: sTfR levels may be used in conjunction with other tests to screen for iron overload disorders such as hemochromatosis.
7. To monitor iron status in athletes: sTfR levels may be used to monitor iron status in athletes, who are at risk of iron deficiency due to increased iron demand during exercise.

• The sTfR test may be recommended for individuals who have symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and fast or irregular heartbeat.
• It may also be recommended for those with a family history of anemia or iron deficiency, or for those who have a diet low in iron or have a medical condition that affects iron absorption or utilization.

Abnormal results on the sTfR test may indicate a number of conditions:

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia: High levels of sTfR in the blood are typically seen in iron deficiency anemia, a condition in which there is not enough iron in the body to produce red blood cells.
2. Chronic Inflammation: Elevated sTfR levels may also be seen in chronic inflammation or infections, as the body tries to compensate for the increased demand for iron.
3. Hemolytic Anemia: Low levels of sTfR may indicate hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can produce them.
4. Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause a decrease in sTfR levels, which is a normal response to the increased demand for iron during pregnancy.
5. Liver Disease: Liver disease can cause an increase in sTfR levels, as the liver plays a role in regulating iron metabolism.

The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins more visible, and insert a needle into a vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief prick or stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally painless.

No special preparation is required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

Additional laboratory tests that may be ordered alongside the sTfR test include:

1. Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels to measure the amount of red blood cells in the blood.
2. Serum iron and ferritin levels to assess iron status.
3. Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) to evaluate the body's ability to bind and transport iron.
4. Complete blood count (CBC) to measure various blood components, such as red and white blood cells and platelets.
5. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to evaluate inflammation.
6. Serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels to assess iron status.
7. Serum creatinine levels to evaluate kidney function.

1. sTfR test
2. Serum transferrin receptor test
3. sTfR-S test
4. Transferrin receptor assay
5. Soluble transferrin receptor assay
6. TFR1 assay