1. What is % Iron Saturation?

% Iron Saturation is a measure of the percentage of transferrin that is saturated with iron. It helps evaluate iron status in the body and can indicate iron deficiency or overload conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Serum Iron \) — Amount of iron circulating in the blood (μg/dL)
• \( TIBC \) — Total Iron Binding Capacity (μg/dL)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of transferrin binding sites that are occupied by iron.

3. Importance of % Iron Saturation Calculation

Details: % Iron Saturation is crucial for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis, and monitoring iron therapy effectiveness.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum iron and TIBC values in μg/dL. Both values must be valid and greater than 0 for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal % Iron Saturation range?
A: Normal range is typically 20-50%. Values below 20% may indicate iron deficiency, while values above 50% may suggest iron overload.

Q2: How does % Iron Saturation differ from ferritin?
A: % Iron Saturation measures circulating iron availability, while ferritin reflects iron storage in the body.

Q3: When should % Iron Saturation be tested?
A: It should be tested when iron deficiency or overload is suspected, or when monitoring iron therapy.

Q4: Are there factors that can affect % Iron Saturation?
A: Yes, factors include recent iron intake, inflammation, liver disease, and certain medications.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for clinical diagnosis?
A: This calculator provides an estimate but should not replace professional medical evaluation and diagnosis.