Transferrin Saturation Calculator – TSAT & Iron Status
Calculate transferrin saturation and assess iron status from lab values
How to Use
- Enter your serum iron level in mcg/dL
- Choose to enter either TIBC or transferrin
- Enter TIBC in mcg/dL or transferrin in mg/dL
- Click calculate to see your TSAT percentage and interpretation
What is Transferrin Saturation?
Transferrin saturation (TSAT) is a blood test that measures the percentage of transferrin (an iron transport protein) that is saturated with iron. It's calculated as: TSAT = (Serum Iron / TIBC) × 100%.
TSAT is a key indicator of iron status in the body and helps diagnose iron deficiency anemia, iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis, and other iron metabolism disorders.
Interpreting TSAT Values
| TSAT Range | Interpretation | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| < 20% | Low | Suggests iron deficiency; may indicate iron deficiency anemia |
| 20-50% | Normal | Adequate iron availability for erythropoiesis |
| > 50% | High | Suggests iron overload; may indicate hemochromatosis or excess iron |
TIBC and Transferrin Conversion
This calculator accepts either TIBC or transferrin as input. If you enter transferrin, it's converted to TIBC using the formula: TIBC (mcg/dL) = Transferrin (mg/dL) × 1.25. This conversion factor accounts for the molecular weight relationship between transferrin and iron.
Common Iron Disorders
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Low TSAT (< 20%), low serum iron, high TIBC
- Anemia of Chronic Disease: Low-normal TSAT, low serum iron, low-normal TIBC
- Hemochromatosis: High TSAT (> 50%), high serum iron, normal-low TIBC
- Iron Overload: High TSAT, elevated serum iron, normal TIBC
- Thalassemia: Variable TSAT, often normal-high, with anemia present
Managing Iron Levels
Management depends on the underlying condition:
- Iron deficiency: Increase dietary iron (red meat, spinach, beans), take iron supplements as prescribed
- Iron overload: Avoid iron supplements, limit vitamin C with meals, therapeutic phlebotomy, iron chelation therapy
- Regular monitoring: Follow-up testing to track response to treatment
- Identify causes: Address underlying bleeding, malabsorption, or genetic conditions
- Dietary modifications: Optimize iron absorption or limit intake based on condition
- Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for iron management
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a normal TSAT range?
- Normal transferrin saturation is typically 20-50%. Values below 20% suggest iron deficiency, while values above 50% may indicate iron overload. However, interpretation should always be done in context with other iron studies and clinical findings.
- When should TSAT be tested?
- TSAT is tested when investigating anemia, suspected iron deficiency or overload, monitoring iron supplementation therapy, screening for hemochromatosis, or evaluating chronic kidney disease patients on erythropoietin therapy.
- Can I use transferrin instead of TIBC?
- Yes, this calculator accepts both. If you enter transferrin (mg/dL), it will automatically convert it to TIBC using the standard conversion factor of 1.25. Both values provide the same information about iron-binding capacity.
- What other tests are done with TSAT?
- TSAT is typically part of an iron panel that includes serum iron, TIBC, ferritin, and sometimes soluble transferrin receptor. These tests together provide a complete picture of iron status and help differentiate between various iron disorders.