Transferrin Saturation (TSAT)

• Use results to support, not replace, clinical judgment and a full clinical evaluation.
• Results should not be interpreted in isolation; evaluate alongside other studies, including CBC, ferritin, and other iron studies.

INTERPRETATION

TSAT cutoffs vary slightly by sex, reference, and clinical context; follow local protocols and guidelines for definitive interpretation.

• Normal: ~20%–50% (does not fully exclude iron deficiency in all settings).
• Low: <15%–20%.
  
  • Suggests insufficient iron availability.
  • Workup may target:
    
    • Iron deficiency anemia.
    • Chronic infection.
    • Malignancy.
    • Malabsorptive states.
    • Inflammatory states
    • CKD.
• High: >45%–50%
  
  • Suggests possible iron overload.
  • Workup may target:
    
    • Hereditary hemochromatosis.
    • Chronic liver disease.
    • Megaloblastic anemia.
    • Sideroblastic anemia.
    • Thalassemia major.
    • Iron ingestion.