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TFR

(TfR)

Tansferrin receptor

Transferrin receptor (P-sTfR) is a biomarker that reflects the body's need for iron at the cellular level. The analysis is primarily used to identify iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency, especially in conditions where ferritin is difficult to interpret.

TFR

Transferrin receptor

Iron deficiency

175 kr

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Contents

What is transferrin receptor (P-sTfR)?

Transferrin receptor (soluble transferrin receptor, sTfR) is a circulating biomarker that reflects the body's need for iron at the cellular level. The transferrin receptor is expressed on the cell surface of most cells, especially in the erythroid cells of the bone marrow, where it enables the uptake of iron via transferrin.

A smaller proportion of the receptor is released into the blood as soluble transferrin receptor (P-sTfR). The concentration in plasma therefore reflects both the iron availability in the tissues and the activity of erythropoiesis.

Physiological function

Iron is transported in the blood bound to transferrin. In order for iron to be taken up by cells, transferrin must bind to the transferrin receptor on the cell membrane. When iron requirements increase or intracellular iron stores decrease, the expression of transferrin receptors increases.

Elevated levels of P-sTfR therefore indicate that the cells are demanding more iron, regardless of the body's total iron stores.

Clinical significance

P-sTfR is used in healthcare as a complement to traditional iron markers, especially in conditions where ferritin is difficult to interpret. The marker is affected to a significantly lesser extent by inflammation compared to ferritin.

Elevated levels are seen primarily in:

  • Iron deficiency .
  • Functional iron deficiency (insufficient iron supply despite normal or high iron stores).
  • Increased erythropoiesis, for example in hemolysis or after bleeding.

Functional iron deficiency

Functional iron deficiency means that iron is stored in the body but is not available for effective blood formation. This is often seen in chronic inflammation, infection, cancer or chronic kidney disease.

In these situations, ferritin may be normal or elevated, while P-sTfR is elevated, making the analysis particularly valuable for identifying hidden or functional iron deficiency.

When is analysis of P-sTfR relevant?

Analysis of transferrin receptor can be particularly useful in:

  • Suspected iron deficiency despite normal or elevated ferritin.
  • Inflammatory or chronic disease states.
  • Investigation of anemia of unclear genesis.
  • Follow-up of iron therapy in case of concomitant inflammation.

Interpretation and Reference Intervals

P-sTfR is analyzed in plasma. The value should always be interpreted together with other iron parameters such as ferritin, iron, transferrin and Hb , and in relation to the clinical picture. The combination of P-sTfR and ferritin (sTfR/log ferritin index) is sometimes used to further improve diagnostics in complex cases of anemia.

The reference range for transferrin receptor (P-sTfR) is 1.7–4.1 mg/L. The reference range may vary slightly between laboratories and should always be interpreted in relation to other iron parameters and the clinical picture.

Tests containing the marker Tansferrin receptor

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Health checks

Functional iron deficiency

Extended iron test if symptoms persist
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Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

  • Investigation of functional iron deficiency at the cellular level.
  • Identifies iron deficiency despite normal or elevated ferritin.
  • Analysis of iron metabolism and availability.
  • Extended test if symptoms persist.

595 kr

Mineral tests

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TFR

Transferrin receptor

Iron deficiency
Marker Icon 1 marker
  • Reflects the body's iron needs at the cellular level.
  • Identifies iron deficiency and functional iron deficiency.
  • Affects to a small extent by inflammation.
  • Analysis of the marker transferrin receptor (P-sTfR).

175 kr

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