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.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
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.
What does a high Transferrin mean?
Transferrin is the iron-carrying protein, and the liver makes more of it when iron is scarce — so a high transferrin is a classic companion to low ferritin in iron deficiency. Pregnancy and oral estrogens raise it too. Read with ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation, it is a supporting rather than stand-alone marker (TIBC is essentially the same information in different units).
Common causes of a high Transferrin
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, estrogen therapy
- Occasionally chronic blood loss before ferritin has fallen
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, hair shedding, restless legs if iron deficient
What clinicians usually check next
- Ferritin and transferrin saturation
- CBC
- Identify the source of iron loss — periods, gut, diet
Follow-up tests at TestWell: CBC with Differential ($21.99), Ferritin ($24.99).
High transferrin with a normal ferritin?
Often estrogen (pill or pregnancy). If ferritin is low-normal it may be early deficiency; saturation and a repeat clarify.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
What does a low Transferrin mean?
Low transferrin occurs with iron overload (production is down-regulated when iron is plentiful), with inflammation and chronic disease (it is a negative acute-phase protein), and with malnutrition, liver disease or kidney protein loss. With a high saturation it points toward hemochromatosis; with a high ferritin and low iron, toward inflammation.
Common causes of a low Transferrin
- Iron overload: hereditary hemochromatosis, transfusions, excess supplementation
- Inflammation, infection, chronic disease, cancer
- Malnutrition, liver disease, nephrotic syndrome
- Rare inherited atransferrinemia
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- Usually none from transferrin itself
- Joint pain, fatigue, bronze skin in overload
What clinicians usually check next
- Transferrin saturation and ferritin
- CRP, albumin (inflammation and nutrition)
- HFE genetic testing if saturation stays above 45%
Follow-up tests at TestWell: Ferritin ($24.99), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
Does low transferrin mean iron overload?
Only with a high transferrin saturation and ferritin. Low transferrin with low iron and normal-to-high ferritin is the inflammation pattern.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
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
What does a high Transferrin mean?
Transferrin is the iron-carrying protein, and the liver makes more of it when iron is scarce — so a high transferrin is a classic companion to low ferritin in iron deficiency. Pregnancy and oral estrogens raise it too. Read with ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation, it is a supporting rather than stand-alone marker (TIBC is essentially the same information in different units).
High transferrin with a normal ferritin?
Often estrogen (pill or pregnancy). If ferritin is low-normal it may be early deficiency; saturation and a repeat clarify.
What does a low Transferrin mean?
Low transferrin occurs with iron overload (production is down-regulated when iron is plentiful), with inflammation and chronic disease (it is a negative acute-phase protein), and with malnutrition, liver disease or kidney protein loss. With a high saturation it points toward hemochromatosis; with a high ferritin and low iron, toward inflammation.
Does low transferrin mean iron overload?
Only with a high transferrin saturation and ferritin. Low transferrin with low iron and normal-to-high ferritin is the inflammation pattern.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my transferrin?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Transferrin results?
Most Transferrin results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Transferrin test cost?
Our Transferrin starts at $23.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Transferrin test?
Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order.
Which lab will process my Transferrin test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your transferrin?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $23.99.