Transferrin
Transferrin is an iron binding protein. Its main function is the transport of iron to proliferating cells and it is an important growth factor. Increased levels are found in iron deficiency, pregnancy, oestrogen administration and lipoidal nephrosis. Decreased levels may be encountered in hereditary deficiencies, testosterone administration, infection, acute inflammation, some forms of nephrosis, tumors, haemochromatosis, acute malaria and malnutrition.
Immunonephelometry is applied. This method involves measuring the light scattered by insoluble complexes formed by reaction between specific protein in samples and its respective antiserum, and the amount of scattered light is directly proportional to the concentration of the protein under condition that antiserum is in excess. Concentrations are automatically calculated by reference to a calibration curve stored in the instrument.
Deutsch E, Geyer G, Wenger R, Laboratoriumsmedizin. Normalbereich der Ergebnisse und Interpretation abnormer Befunde, 3rd ed. Basel/Munich: Karger 1992.