$9.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Blood & iron
Transferrin test
Iron-transport protein; can rise in iron deficiency.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Transferrin is the protein that carries iron through your blood to where it’s needed. Your body can make more of it when iron runs low.
Why it matters for women
Low iron can be common in women because of periods and pregnancy, and transferrin can rise as your body tries to grab more iron. Pregnancy and estrogen birth control can also raise it, so it’s read with your other iron results.
You might check it if…
- you feel tired or weak and want a full iron check
- your periods are heavy or you were recently pregnant
- other iron results came back borderline
What your result may mean
High Transferrin: what it may mean
High transferrin with low ferritin may point to iron deficiency, as your body can make more of this carrier protein to grab any iron available. Heavy periods and pregnancy can both use up iron, and tiredness, hair shedding or dizziness may follow. Pregnancy and estrogen birth control can also raise transferrin even when iron is fine, so a high value can't settle things alone. Ferritin, iron and transferrin saturation can complete the picture.
Low Transferrin: what it may mean
Low transferrin may come with iron overload, long-lasting inflammation, malnutrition or liver disease, since the liver makes this protein. Kidney conditions that leak protein can lower it too. What you notice may depend on the reason, such as swelling from protein loss or the tiredness that can come with long illness. A low value can't point to a single reason by itself, so ferritin, albumin and liver tests may help work out which one fits.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.