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Transferrin

Transferrin: a low value, iron overload and haemochromatosis in the family

According to the NVKC, transferrin is the protein that binds iron in the blood and transports it through the body. According to the NVKC, in iron overload, also called haemochromatosis, there is an excess of iron in the body.

According to the NVKC, a lowered transferrin could fit such an excess of iron, and a raised transferrin iron deficiency. Transferrin can only be determined with a blood test.

Unilabs uses 1.8 to 2.9 g/l for transferrin in men, and Star-SHL 2.2 to 3.6 g/l in men.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Transferrin is the protein that iron in the blood is bound to and with which iron is carried through the body. According to the NVKC, a raised transferrin could fit iron deficiency, a lowered one an excess of iron.

Star-SHL uses 2.2 to 3.6 g/l in men and 2.5 to 3.8 g/l in women; Unilabs 1.8 to 2.9 g/l in men and 1.8 to 3.2 g/l in women.
Diagnostiek voor U uses 2.0 to 4.1 g/L in people older than 16.
According to the NVKC, TIBC is another way of reporting the same measured amount of transferrin, in µmol per litre.

Reference Ranges

Male

g/l

Low 2 Normal 3.5 High

Source: NVKC Reference population: Dutch adults (NVKC)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

Transferrin: what Dutch laboratories use

Reference ranges by group, in g/l
Laboratory	Group	Reference value (g/l)	Relative scale
Star-shl	· Male	2.2–3.6 g/l	2.2 3.6
Unilabs	· Male	1.8–2.9 g/l	1.8 2.9
Diagnostiek voor U	· Everyone · 17 years and older	2.0–4.1 g/L	2 4.1

0 4.51 g/l

Source: Star-shl

Source: Unilabs

Source: Diagnostiek voor U

Each value as the laboratory itself publishes it, retrieved in 2026.

Transferrin: what this test measures

A transferrin test measures the amount of transferrin in g/l, and according to the NVKC thereby the maximum amount of iron that can be bound to transferrin. Next to transferrin, Diagnostiek voor U lists transferrin saturation as a separate determination.

Transferrin: why this value matters

Transferrin matters when iron overload is suspected, because according to the NVKC the transferrin test is then often requested, together with the iron and ferritin tests, to see whether further investigation is needed.

Transferrin: how the blood test works

Referral: No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw: A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test: Iron Studies · €89,- · Anemia · €132,-
Where: 650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Transferrin: when is testing worthwhile?

According to the NVKC, a transferrin test is often requested when iron overload (haemochromatosis) runs in the family.

Transferrin: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

According to the NVKC, a lowered transferrin could fit an excess of iron, as in haemochromatosis, and according to the NVKC certain (inherited) forms of anaemia can go with iron accumulation.

High Levels

According to the NVKC, a raised transferrin could fit iron deficiency, the opposite of iron overload.

Transferrin: causes of a low or high value

What lowers the value

Iron excess, for example haemochromatosis

A lowered transferrin could fit an excess of iron in the body, as in haemochromatosis. Certain (inherited) forms of anaemia can also go with iron accumulation.
Low-protein diet

A lowered transferrin can also point to a low-protein diet.
Reduced liver function

A lowered transferrin can also point to the liver functioning less well.

What raises the value

Iron deficiency

A raised transferrin could fit iron deficiency.
Pregnancy

In pregnancy the TIBC, another way of reporting the measured transferrin, can be raised.
Contraceptive pill

With use of the contraceptive pill the TIBC, another way of reporting the measured transferrin, can be raised.

Transferrin: lifestyle and this value

Discuss a lowered transferrin with your GP, especially with haemochromatosis in the family.

Transferrin: frequently asked questions

Can a low transferrin mean something other than too much iron?

Yes, according to the NVKC a lowered transferrin can also point to a low-protein diet or to a liver that functions less well.

Transferrin: sources

Nederlandse Vereniging voor Klinische Chemie en Laboratoriumgeneeskunde. Alles over testen. Over AFP: "De referentiewaarden kunnen verschillen tussen laboratoria, afhankelijk van de methode. Ga daarom uitsluitend af op de referentiewaarden van het laboratorium dat het onderzoek heeft uitgevoerd en interpreteer nooit AFP-uitslagen van verschillende laboratoria door elkaar." Geraadpleegd 14 juli 2026. (retrieved 2026) allesovertesten.nl
Star-shl, Labbepalingen (referentiewaarden per bepaling), star-shl.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) star-shl.nl
Unilabs, Bepalingenklapper (referentiewaarden per bepaling), bepalingenklapper.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) bepalingenklapper.nl
Diagnostiek voor U, eLabgids (Referentiewaarden DvU), diagnostiek.getincontrol.eu, geraadpleegd 2026-10-01 (retrieved 2026) diagnostiek.getincontrol.eu
NVKC, Alles over testen: Transferrine, allesovertesten.nl, geraadpleegd 2026-10-17 (retrieved 2026) allesovertesten.nl