Transferrin Saturation
Transferrin saturation is the percentage of iron-binding sites on transferrin that are occupied and is calculated from serum iron divided by TIBC. Low values indicate iron deficiency, while values above about 45 percent suggest iron overload conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis. It is interpreted together with ferritin for a complete picture of iron status.
Optimal range: who says what
Institutions, researchers and practitioners draw the line in different places. Each position is listed with who holds it and, where a document states it, a link. How we verify ranges.
- Institution or study25-35%Avoids both iron deficiency (<20%) and the overload range (>45%) used in hemochromatosis screeningThe AASLD hemochromatosis guideline uses a transferrin saturation of 45% or more as the trigger for HFE gene testing
- Lab reference intervalMen: 20-50%, Women: 15-50%What a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
14 of 21 itemized panels
Additional Specialized Tests
Why Transferrin Saturation matters
Reflects how much iron is being transported. Low in iron deficiency; high in iron overload (hemochromatosis). Critical for diagnosing iron disorders.
Which Providers Test Transferrin Saturation?
Cheapest: Empirical Health at $190/year. Most comprehensive: Function Health, 160+ biomarkers for $365/year.
14 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $190 | 100+ | $1.90 | |
| $297 | 100+ | $2.97 | |
 Superpower | $349 | 100+ | $3.49 |
| $349 | 75+ | $4.65 | |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | $349 | 65 | $5.37 |
 Function Health | $365 | 160+ | $2.28 |
| $365 | 100+ | $3.65 | |
| $375 | 108 | $3.47 | |
| $499 | 100+ | $4.99 | |
| $700 | 138 | $5.07 | |
| $829 | 54 | $15.35 | |
| $996 | 59 | $16.88 | |
| $1188 | 70+ | $16.97 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
7 itemized panels do not include Transferrin Saturation
Labcorp OnDemand · Life Extension Elite · Everlywell · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Marek Health Complete · Oura Health Panels
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer Transferrin Saturation. Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Experts discussing Transferrin Saturation
Podcast episodes where clinicians and researchers cover this marker in depth. Curated by hand; an episode is listed only when the marker is a substantial topic, not a passing mention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for Transferrin Saturation?
Published position: 25-35% (Avoids both iron deficiency (<20%) and the overload range (>45%) used in hemochromatosis screening). Lab reference interval: Men: 20-50%, Women: 15-50%. That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include Transferrin Saturation?
14 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include Transferrin Saturation in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Sep 3, 2026 · First published Sep 30, 2025