The reference limits and cut-off value for serum soluble transferrin receptors for diagnosing iron deficiency in infants.

Summary Serum soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) concentration is a useful test in the diagnosis of childhood iron deficiency (ID). The aims of this study were to establish reference limits and to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of sTfR in the diagnosis of ID in infants aged 9–12 months. In addition to mean erythrocyte cell volume, haemoglobin and ferritin measurements, sTfR concentration was measured in 179 healthy children in Estonia using the IDeA® and Tina-quant® methods. Using the ID criteria of ferritin 2.4 mg/l in the IDeA® (sensitivity 84%, specificity 94%) and an sTfR level >7.4 mg/l in the Tina-quant (sensitivity 80%, specificity 92%). We conclude that sTfR concentration is an efficient tool in the diagnosis of ID, but that every method needs its own cut-off value.