Soluble transferrin receptor

Why this test?

• This test is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the selected method of anemia treatment, especially erythropoietin.
• To assess the need of iron in case of an increased ferritin concentration, which is associated with acute inflammatory diseases or the presence of tumors.

In what cases is it prescribed?

• In the differential diagnosis of anemia, distinguish iron deficiency anemia from anemia of chronic diseases.
• To differentiate physiological anemia during pregnancy, puberty from pathological.
• To assess recovery of erythropoiesis after red bone marrow transplantation.
• For the diagnosis of anemia in the case of chronic diseases, when ferritin does not show the true source of inflammation (a protein of the acute phase, increases with any inflammation).

Information about the test

Transferrin is a protein responsible for binding and transporting iron in the blood. It transports iron to the liver or spleen, where it is stored. The transfer of the trace element to the cells of the bone marrow is associated with the formation of red blood cells - erythrocytes. Soluble transferrin receptors are proteins located on the cell surface. Transferrin delivers iron to these cells and they ensure its transfer inside the cell. Some of the soluble transferrin receptors are in the blood. The appearance of transferrin receptors on the cell surface is regulated by complex mechanisms, among which the need for iron takes first place, the greater the deficiency is, the more receptors on the cell surface and in the blood