Soluble Transferrin Receptor
Test Mnemonic
STRANS
CPT Codes
- 84238 - QTY (1)
LOINC ®
33210 - 6
Performing Laboratory
Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | Serum | SST (Gold) | Refrigerated |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | Serum | No additive (Red) | Refrigerated |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 month (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles) |
| Ambient | 72 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 |
| Male | 18 Years | 99 Years | Normal | 2.2 - 5.0 | mg/L | Female | 18 Years | 99 Years | Normal | 1.9 - 4.4 | mg/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.