Hemochromatosis is a disorder where the body absorbs too much iron, leading to iron overload in organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas. Transferrin saturation (TS) is a key marker used to diagnose and monitor this condition. It measures the percentage of transferrin (a protein that binds and transports iron) that is saturated with iron.

Key Points:

• Normal TS Range: Typically 20–45% for men and 15–40% for women.
• Hemochromatosis Indicator: TS >45–50% (often >60% in symptomatic cases) suggests iron overload, especially if accompanied by elevated ferritin levels.
• Diagnosis: High TS is often an early sign of hereditary hemochromatosis, even before symptoms or organ damage appear. Genetic testing (e.g., HFE gene mutations like C282Y) confirms the diagnosis.
• Monitoring: TS is used to track treatment effectiveness (e.g., phlebotomy), aiming to reduce iron levels to normal.
• Other Causes of High TS: Chronic liver disease, alcohol use, or hemolytic anemias can also elevate TS, so differential diagnosis is crucial.

If you suspect hemochromatosis or have high TS, consult a healthcare provider for further testing (e.g., ferritin, liver function tests, or MRI for iron quantification).

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