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Soluble transferrin receptor
A marker of the cells' demand for iron. Unlike ferritin, barely affected by inflammation — it unmasks hidden iron deficiency.
Other names: Soluble transferrin receptor, sTfRSection: Iron status
Updated: August 31, 2026·MedProtect editorial team Reference information — not a diagnosis or a prescription
In shortsTfR reflects how avidly cells are reaching for iron. A typical reference is 12.2–27.3 nmol/L (about 1040–2320 ng/mL). Its key advantage is independence from inflammation: when ferritin looks deceptively normal in chronic disease, elevated sTfR reveals true deficiency.
Reference ranges
Group
Reference range
Adults — typical range (international reference, not a national standard)
12.2–27.3 nmol/L (≈ 1040–2320 ng/mL)
Range from the Labcorp test directory (international reference, not a national standard). Mass conversion is approximate (monomer molecular weight ≈ 85 kDa). The report's reference applies. Reference ranges vary between laboratories and assays — use the range printed on your own lab report.
Check your value
Enter the number from your lab report — see how it compares with the typical range. Mind the units shown in the chosen row.
A rough comparison with a typical range, not a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — check the range on your own report and let a clinician interpret the result.
What this marker is
Transferrin receptors sit on cell surfaces and capture iron from blood; their soluble fraction tracks red-cell production and tissue iron demand. Starved of iron, cells display more receptors.
The sTfR/log ferritin index sharpens the distinction between iron-deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease even further.
When it is high
Iron deficiencyCells display more receptors to capture iron — the level rises even before anemia develops.
Increased red-cell productionHemolysis and blood loss accelerate erythropoiesis and raise sTfR too.
When it is low
Reduced red-cell productionAplastic processes and bone-marrow suppression lower the level.
What can skew the result
These factors can shift the value without any disease — worth considering before a retest:
Rate of red-cell production (hemolysis, blood loss)High altitude
How to prepare
Fasting 8–12 hours; drawn together with ferritin and the iron panel.
When a retest makes sense
An abnormal result is followed as the hematologist advises, together with ferritin and CRP.
Who usually reviews this result
A result outside the reference range is usually reviewed by: your GP or primary care doctor; a hematologist for abnormal results. Bring your lab report and any previous results to the appointment.
Names used on lab reports
Your report may use any of these names: sTfRSoluble transferrin receptor
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