Transferrin levels: what's normal, high and low
The protein that carries iron in the blood. Levels rise when iron stores are low.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Transferrin is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 200 – 360 mg/dL. At TestWell it's $23.99 all-in as Transferrin, results in 2–4 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mg/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 2–4 business days
- Price
- $23.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Transferrin Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 200 – 360 mg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your Transferrin result may mean
Often reflects iron deficiency.
What a high Transferrin means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Can reflect inflammation, malnutrition, or liver disease.
What a low Transferrin means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a Transferrin test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Transferrin is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transferrin | This marker only | $23.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Transferrin: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $23.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $24.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $24.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Iron & Anemia biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Transferrin.
Frequently asked
Often reflects iron deficiency. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your transferrin?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $23.99.