Transferrin

ChemistryAlso known as: Serotransferrinmg/dL

Detects the iron-transport protein transferrin in serum or plasma.

Normal Range
0.15 mg/dL
mg/dL
Abnormal Levels
< 188 mg/dL
> 341 mg/dL
Specimen Type
Blood

Why This Biomarker Matters

Presence of transferrin in urine signals potential kidney damage or glomerular dysfunction, warranting further evaluation of renal health.

Understanding Your Results

Normal Range

0.15 mg/dL

Optimal Ranges

Clinician-defined 4-point reference thresholds (mg/dL)

Default Range

188
226.25
302.75
341
Low
188 mg/dL
Borderline Low
226.25 mg/dL
Optimal
302.75 mg/dL
Borderline High
341 mg/dL

Overview

This test measures transferrin, an iron-transport protein, in urine. Normally, transferrin does not appear in significant amounts in urine because it's too large to filter through healthy kidneys. Elevated urinary transferrin suggests kidney damage or a glomerular filtration problem, as the protein is 'leaking' into urine. This finding may indicate early kidney disease, diabetes complications, or other renal conditions requiring further evaluation.

Technical Information (LOINC Codes)

Standardized laboratory codes for this biomarker

3034-6Primary
Transferrin [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma
mg/dL
3035-3
Transferrin [Mass/volume] in Urine
mg/dL
22674-6
Transferrin [Moles/volume] in Serum or Plasma
umol/L
74977-0
Transferrin [Mass/time] in 24 hour Urine
mg/(24.h)
98996-2
Transferrin [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma by Electrophoresis
g/L