To detect iron deficiency anemia and distinguish it from anemia caused by chronic illness or inflammation
Soluble Transferrin Receptor
When iron deficiency anemia is suspected
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
None
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How is the test used?
The soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) test is primarily ordered to help distinguish between anemia that is caused by iron deficiency and anemia that is caused by inflammation or a chronic illness (so-called anemia of chronic disease or inflammation). It is not a routine test but may be ordered if other tests that evaluate the amount of iron in the body do not provide conclusive information.
Typically, a group of iron tests is ordered to evaluate iron availability if a person has anemia and/or if iron deficiency is suspected. These tests may include iron, transferrin, TIBC (total iron-binding capacity, which is either measured or calculated based on the level of transferrin), transferrin saturation (calculated based on levels of iron and TIBC), and ferritin.
Ferritin is usually the preferred test to evaluate stored iron, but it is an acute phase reactant, which means that it may be increased with inflammation or with chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, some cancers, and chronic infections. In these cases, ferritin may not be a good measure of stored iron. Since sTfR is not an acute phase reactant, it may be ordered as an alternative to ferritin if a chronic illness is present or suspected.
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When is it ordered?
The soluble transferrin receptor test is not routine but may be ordered along with or in follow up to other iron tests when you have a normal or near-normal ferritin level but iron deficiency is still suspected. It may be ordered as an alternative to ferritin when you have a chronic illness and/or inflammation is present or suspected.
This test may be ordered when you have general signs and symptoms of anemia, such as:
- Weakness, fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Paleness
Or when you have signs and symptoms more specific for iron deficiency anemia, such as:- Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
- Swollen or sore tongue
- Cracks or ulcers at the corners of the mouth
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Craving to eat unusual non-food substances such as ice or dirt (also known as "pica")
This test may also be ordered when a complete blood count (CBC) shows decreased hemoglobin and small red blood cells (low MCV). -
What does the test result mean?
The level of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) will be increased with iron deficiency. If you have anemia and your sTfR level is elevated, then it is likely that you have iron deficiency anemia. If your level is within the normal range, then it is more likely that the your anemia is due to another cause, such as chronic disease or inflammation.
If you are being treated for iron deficiency anemia, decreasing sTfR levels in a series of tests indicates an increase in iron reserve.
A low level of sTfR may be seen with hemochromatosis (a condition associated with iron overload) or protein malnutrition, but the test is not usually used to monitor these conditions.
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Is there anything else I should know?
African Americans may have moderately increased sTfR levels, as will people who live at higher elevations.
Birth control pills may affect the test results.
This testing may not be useful if you have an inherited disorder that affects hemoglobin production or function, such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia. Test results may be elevated in people with red blood cell breakage (hemolysis) or recent blood loss and will not be accurate in those who have had a recent blood transfusion.
An elevated sTfR level is not as specific for iron deficiency as is, for example, a very low level of ferritin.
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Why not just order an iron test?
A single iron test does not provide the full picture of the amount of iron that you have stored and available. It is usually necessary to evaluate the results of several related iron tests together. Ferritin is usually the preferred test to evaluate stored iron, but it is an acute phase reactant, meaning that it may be increased with inflammation or chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis patients who often have inflammation or infections, as well as people with diabetes who are treated with insulin. In these cases, ferritin may not be a good measure of stored iron as it may falsely indicate adequacy in iron reserve. The soluble transferrin receptor test is not a routinely order test, but since it is not an acute phase reactant, it may be ordered as an alternative to ferritin to evaluate stored iron when a chronic illness is present or suspected.
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Can I have iron deficiency if I feel fine?
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How long does it take for results to become available?
Soluble transferrin receptor testing requires specialized equipment and is not offered by every laboratory. Your sample may be sent to a reference laboratory and it may take a few days for results to be available.
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Why does my doctor want to send a second sTfR test to the same laboratory as the first test?
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Should I just take iron supplements?
You should consult with your healthcare provider first. If you are anemic and/or at risk of anemia, then supplements may be useful. Excess iron in the body can cause health problems.