1. What is Iron Saturation Calculation?

Iron saturation calculation measures the percentage of transferrin that is saturated with iron. It helps diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload conditions by comparing serum iron levels to total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the iron saturation formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Serum Iron} \) — Amount of iron circulating in the blood (μg/dL)
• \( \text{TIBC} \) — Total Iron-Binding Capacity, the total amount of iron that transferrin can bind (μg/dL)

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

3. Importance of Iron Saturation Calculation

Details: Iron saturation is a crucial marker for assessing iron status. Low saturation indicates iron deficiency, while high saturation may suggest iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum iron and TIBC values in μg/dL. Both values must be valid (greater than 0). The calculator will compute the iron saturation percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How does iron saturation differ from ferritin?
A: Iron saturation measures circulating iron, while ferritin measures stored iron. Both are important for comprehensive iron status assessment.

Q3: When should iron studies be performed?
A: Iron studies are typically ordered when anemia is suspected, or when monitoring iron therapy or iron overload conditions.

Q4: Are there factors that can affect iron saturation results?
A: Yes, recent iron supplementation, inflammation, liver disease, and certain medications can affect both serum iron and TIBC measurements.

Q5: What follow-up tests might be needed for abnormal results?
A: Depending on results, additional tests may include ferritin, transferrin, genetic testing for hemochromatosis, or bone marrow examination in complex cases.