Updated 07 August 2026 · HodieLabs Clinical Governance Lead · The HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library
Transferrin is the main iron transport protein in blood. It carries iron from the gut and storage sites to the bone marrow for red blood cell production. Elevated transferrin indicates iron deficiency (the body upregulates production to capture more iron), while low levels suggest iron overload or chronic disease. Transferrin is measured by blood test as part of the Organ panel in the HodieLabs Health Blueprint.
Transferrin is a negative acute phase reactant, suppressed during inflammation. Transferrin saturation (TSAT = serum iron / TIBC) is the most useful derived metric from transferrin.
Associated risks when out of range: High transferrin with low ferritin confirms iron deficiency. Low transferrin may indicate chronic disease, liver dysfunction, or iron overload.
The HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library classifies Transferrin as an strong evidence-tier biomarker. Its reference ranges come from a published authority standard rather than from observational optimisation targets. The standard used here is RCPA Australian pathology reference intervals; transferrin 2.0–3.6 g/L normal for adults. Where relevant clinical outcomes are noted on this page, they reflect the guideline literature referenced below.
The HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library interprets Transferrin against published clinical authority standards, never arbitrary "optimal" ranges. Measured in g/L:
Recommended testing frequency: Annual, as part of a comprehensive panel. Single markers are always interpreted in context.
Transferrin is measured in every Health Blueprint at our Melbourne Preventative Health & Longevity Clinic, interpreted by a doctor against the guideline-cited ranges above and tracked over time through your HodieLabs membership.
1. RCPA Australian pathology reference intervals; transferrin 2.0–3.6 g/L normal for adults.
This page is general information from the HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library, not medical advice. Speak with your GP about what testing and care is appropriate for you.
Transferrin is the main iron transport protein in blood. It carries iron from the gut and storage sites to the bone marrow for red blood cell production. Elevated transferrin indicates iron deficiency (the body upregulates production to capture more iron), while low levels suggest iron overload or chronic disease.
The HodieLabs Evidence-Based Clinical Library optimal range is 2.0–3.6 g/L, based on RCPA Australian pathology reference intervals; transferrin 2.0–3.6 g/L normal for adults.
Annual testing is recommended for most adults as part of a comprehensive preventative panel; more often if a result is being actively managed.
Evidence-supported levers include: interpret alongside ferritin, serum iron, and tsat for complete iron status assessment, address underlying cause: dietary iron, malabsorption, or chronic blood loss. Interpretation and an action plan should always involve your doctor.
Transferrin is measured in the HodieLabs Health Blueprint at our Melbourne Preventative Health and Longevity Clinic at 85 Spring Street, with doctor-led interpretation against evidence-based reference ranges.
Transferrin and 50+ biomarkers, measured and doctor-interpreted at our Melbourne clinic.