Transferrin saturation (%) TSAT

General information

This panel includes Fe, TIBC and % saturation.

TSAT (Transferrin Saturation) is a lab marker used to assess iron status in the body. It reflects the percentage of transferrin (a protein that transports iron in the blood) that is actually bound to iron.

• Low TSAT (<20%): Suggests iron deficiency, which may be due to poor dietary intake, chronic blood loss, or impaired absorption.

• High TSAT (>45–50%): May indicate iron overload, as seen in conditions like hemochromatosis, repeated transfusions, or excessive iron supplementation.

How It’s Calculated:

Clinical Use:

• Diagnosing iron deficiency anemia

• Monitoring iron therapy

• Evaluating iron overload disorders

• Often used alongside serum ferritin, serum iron, and TIBC for a full picture of iron metabolism

Sampling: venous blood, TSAT should be measured in the morning, fasting, and ideally not shortly after iron supplementation or transfusion