1. What is Iron Saturation?

Iron saturation, also called transferrin saturation, measures the percentage of transferrin (the main iron transport protein in blood) that is saturated with iron. It helps evaluate iron status in the body.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the iron saturation formula:

Where:

• \( Iron \) — Serum iron concentration in μg/dL
• \( TIBC \) — Total iron-binding capacity in μg/dL

Explanation: The equation calculates what percentage of the iron-binding sites on transferrin are occupied by iron.

3. Importance of Iron Saturation

Details: Iron saturation helps diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload conditions. Low saturation suggests iron deficiency, while high values may indicate hemochromatosis or iron overload.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum iron and TIBC values in μg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers for calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are normal iron saturation values?
A: Normal range is typically 20-50%. Values below 20% may indicate iron deficiency, while above 50% may suggest iron overload.

Q2: How does this differ from ferritin?
A: Ferritin measures iron stores, while saturation measures circulating iron availability. Both tests are often ordered together.

Q3: When should iron studies be performed?
A: When anemia is suspected, or to monitor iron status in chronic conditions like hemochromatosis or chronic kidney disease.

Q4: Can medications affect iron saturation?
A: Yes, iron supplements can increase saturation, while medications that bind iron may decrease it.

Q5: What conditions affect iron saturation?
A: Inflammation can lower iron and saturation, while liver disease may increase TIBC and lower saturation.