Soluble Transferrin Receptor




Test Mnemonic

STRANS

CPT Codes

  • 84238 - QTY (1)

LOINC ®

33210 - 6

Performing Laboratory

n/a


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
1 mLSerumSST (Gold) Refrigerated 

Alternate Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
1 mLSerumNo additive (Red) Refrigerated 

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
0.3 mL     

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
Refrigerated1 week
Frozen1 month (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Ambient72 hours

Days Performed

Mon, Wed, Fri

Turnaround Time

2 - 3 days

Methodology

Name Description
Immunoturbidometric Assay 

Reference Range

Transferrin Receptor
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
Male18 Years99 YearsNormal2.2 - 5.0 mg/L
Female18 Years99 YearsNormal1.9 - 4.4mg/L

Clinical Info

Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is an indicator of iron status. However, unlike Ferritin, sTfR is not an acute-phase reactant. sTfR is used for evaluation of suspected iron deficiency in patients who may have inflammation, infection, or chronic disease. sTfR elevates in patients with iron deficiency and remains normal in anemic patients caused by chronic disease. In general, to increase sensitivity and specificity, the measurement of sTfR should be performed in combination with other tests of iron status, including ferritin, TIBC, and serum iron. People of African descent and those residing at 5,200 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level were found to have a 6% higher normal value. These differences were additive. Reference intervals have not been established for pregnant females, patients under 18 years of age, and recent or frequent blood donors.

Clinical Limitation

sTfR is also a marker for erythropoiesis and not specific for iron deficiency. sTfR levels may be elevated in patients with sickle cell disease, hemolysis or recent blood loss. Interpret sTfR test results in these individuals with caution. Monoclonal mouse antibodies, if present in patient blood, may affect sTfR measurement.