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HelpTest Code STFR1 sTfR (Soluble Transferrin Receptor), Serum
Ordering Guidance
This test should not be used for routine iron status evaluation for patients without confounding pathologies (such as inflammation, infection, chronic disease, or malignancy). For such cases order FERR1 / Ferritin, Serum.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL Serum
Collection Instructions:
1. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge the specimen.
2. For red-top tubes, aliquot serum into a plastic vial prior to sending.
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic disease
Method Name
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Reporting Name
Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR)Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
Serum: 0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Reference Values
0.63-2.64 mg/L
It is reported that African Americans may have slightly higher values.
Interpretation
Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentrations are inversely related to iron status; sTfR elevates in response to iron deficiency and decreases in response to iron repletion.
Clinical Reference
1. Vazquez-Lopez MA, Lopez-Ruzafa E, Ibanez-Alcalde M, Martín-Gonzalez M, Bonillo-Perales A, Lendinez-Molinos F. The usefulness of reticulocyte haemoglobin content, serum transferrin receptor and the sTfR-ferritin index to identify iron deficiency in healthy children aged 1-16 years. Eur J Pediatr. 2019;178(1):41-49
2. Mast AE, Blinder MA, Gronowski AM, Chumley C, Scott MG. Clinical utility of the soluble transferrin receptor and comparison with serum ferritin in several populations. Clin Chem. 1998;44(1):45-51
3. Bohn MK, Berman M, Ali S, et al. Evaluation of a new soluble transferrin receptor assay and comparison to three measurement procedures. Clin Biochem. 2025;135:110862. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2024.110862
4. Allen J, Backstrom KR, Cooper JA, et al. Measurement of soluble transferrin receptor in serum of healthy adults. Clin Chem. 1998;44(1):35-39
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84238
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| STFR1 | Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR) | 30248-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| STFR1 | Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR) | 30248-9 |