Taken together with serum<unk>  and percent transferrin saturation clinicians usually perform this test when they are concerned about anemia,<unk>  deficiency or<unk>  deficiency anemia. However, because the liver produces transferrin, alterations in function (such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver failure) must be considered when performing this test. It can also be an indirect test of liver function, but is rarely used for this purpose. The percent transferrin saturation (i.e., the result of the formula of serum<unk> /TIBC x 100) can also be a useful indicator. Studies also revealed that a transferrin saturation (serum<unk>  concentration ÷<unk>  over 60 percent in men and over 50 percent in women identified the presence of an abnormality in<unk>  metabolism (Hereditary hemochromatosis, heterozygotes and homozygotes) with approximately 95 percent accuracy. This<unk>  helps in the early diagnosis of Hereditary hemochromatosis, especially while serum ferritin still remains low. The retained<unk>  in Hereditary hemochromatosis is primarily deposited in parenchymal cells, with reticuloendothelial cell accumulation occurring very late in the disease. This is in contrast to transfusional<unk>  overload in which<unk>  deposition occurs first in the reticuloendothelial cells and then in parenchymal cells. This explains why ferritin levels remain relative low in Hereditary hemochromatosis, while transferrin saturation is high. Condition Serum<unk>  (highly variable) Transferrin and<unk>  Percent transferrin saturation<unk>  deficiency anemia Low High. The liver produces more transferrin, presumably attempting to maximize use of the little<unk>  that is available. Low, as there is insufficient<unk> . Anemia of chronic disease Low, as the body holds<unk>  intracellularly with ferritin. Low. The body produces less transferrin (but more ferritin), presumably to keep<unk>  away from pathogens that require it for their metabolism. This is mainly regulated by increased hepcidin production. Normal Pregnancy or use of hormonal contraception, but without<unk>  deficiency Normal High. The liver increases the production of transferrin, thus raising<unk> . Low, as there is excess transferrin with normal serum<unk>  levels. These examples demonstrate that to properly understand a value for<unk> , one also must know the serum<unk> , the percent transferrin saturation, and the individual clinical situation. In modern laboratory testings, serum ferritin levels are generally accepted as reliable single indicators of the presence of<unk>  deficiency.
Total iron-binding capacity
Transferrin saturation
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
Reticulocyte production index
Serum iron
Hematocrit
Red blood cell distribution width