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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Transferrin
Transferrin carries iron between tissues. Measuring the protein helps explain iron transport, particularly alongside iron and ferritin results.
Price for this test on its ownAED 150Test price AED 50
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Transferrin test measure?
Also called Iron Transport Protein
The transferrin level can help explain whether the blood has more or less capacity to carry iron. It is often requested with other iron studies.
When it may be requested
Iron transport
The protein measurement can clarify how much carrier is available.
Small red cells
It may supplement ferritin and iron when investigating a small-cell anaemia.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
A fasting morning collection is preferred when iron and saturation are measured with transferrin. Give the clinician details of recent iron treatment or inflammation.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideTransferrin
Reading your result
Transferrin is produced by the liver. Changes in production and inflammation can influence it even when available iron changes in a different direction.
What can affect it
- Transferrin can be influenced by inflammation and liver protein production.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testTransferrin
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Transferrin in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Record any recent inflammatory illness and ask whether the iron and ferritin measurements support the same interpretation as transferrin.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Can transferrin change even if my iron stores have not?
Inflammation, nutrition and the liver's ability to make proteins can affect transferrin. That is one reason clinicians compare transport and storage markers.
What does a low transferrin level mean?
A low transferrin most often reflects chronic inflammation, infection or malignancy, because the liver makes less of it during illness. It is also seen in liver disease, iron overload such as haemochromatosis, protein loss through the kidneys or intestine, and poor protein intake. Your doctor uses the other iron tests and your history to tell these apart.
Can pregnancy or the contraceptive pill affect transferrin?
Yes. Pregnancy and oestrogen-containing medicines, including some oral contraceptive pills, raise transferrin for reasons unrelated to your iron status. Tell the team if either applies, so that a high result is not mistaken for iron deficiency on its own.
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Your next step
Transferrin test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.