Transferrin Saturation (TSAT): Direct measure of iron availability for erythropoiesis. Useful for diagnosing iron deficiency and monitoring iron overload conditions.
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
Clinical Use
Screening for iron deficiency anemia.
Initial screening for hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload).
Monitoring iron status in patients with chronic kidney disease or those on heart failure therapy.
Section 2
Formula & Logic
Calculation
TSAT (%) = (Serum Iron / TIBC) × 100
Physiology
Transferrin is the primary iron transport protein in the blood. TSAT represents the proportion of available transferrin binding sites that are occupied by iron.
Section 3
Pearls/Pitfalls
Interpretation
TSAT Value
Interpretation
Considerations
< 20%
Iron Deficiency
Commonly seen in IDA or ACD/IDA mixed picture.
20 - 45%
Normal
Reference range may vary by lab.
> 45% (M) / > 50% (F)
Iron Overload
Screen for Hereditary Hemochromatosis (e.g. C282Y mutation).