Transferrin Isoforms (Blood)

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Auckland Te Toka Tumai

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Transferrin Isoforms (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

STI

Test Code (Numeric Code)

7566

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Serum

Transport

Ambient

Laboratory

LabPlus Immunochemistry

Sample Stability

4-8°C for 7 days. Longer storage at -20°C.

Synonyms

Carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein disorder,
CDG disorder,
Serum transferrin isoforms,
Transferrin Isoelectric Focusing,
CDT, STI

Turnaround Time

1 week

Tested weekly on a Wednesday

Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

Plain (Red Top)

Acceptable

SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

No of Samples Required

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

Plain(Microtainer)

Acceptable

SST(Microtainer)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

Diagnostic Use

An abnormal pattern of serum transferrin isoforms is found in congenital disorders of glycosylation (also called carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein or CDG disorders).

These rare conditions are the result of enzyme defects in the post-translational glycosylation of proteins. Most are associated with developmental delay, and they may present with dysmorphic features, mental retardation, neurological deficits, and enteropathy.

Specific enzyme tests are required if the transferrin isoform pattern is suggestive of an abnormal pattern. If indicated, these follow-up tests can be performed at WCH in Adelaide.

See beta-2 transferrin for detecting leakage of CSF in nasal or ear secretions.

Reference Intervals

Direct detection at 200 nm in capillaries yields relative concentrations (percentages) of individual transferrin isoforms, and especially the calibrated percentage of disialotransferrin (CDT-IFCC).
– The upper limit of the reference interval (according to the IFCC working group) is 1.7 %.
=> CDT-IFCC ≤ 1.7 % : normal result.
– The proposed cut-off value is 2.0 % for forensic use (this value is based upon the upper reference limit plus the expended uncertainty of the
measurement).
=> CDT-IFCC > 2.0 % : For clinical purposes, values above 2 % are consistent with alcohol abuse or excessive alcohol consumption (according to
the IFCC working group).
– CDT-IFCC > 1.7 % and ≤ 2.0 %: inconclusive result (electrophoretic pattern with “NC” labeling). In this interval, the results do not permit to conclude

Test Method

Capillary electrophoresis

Limitations / Interference

Some monoclonal components or high polyclonal background.
Fibrinogen and haemolyzed samples,
Anticoagulants (EDTA, Heparin)
Aged or improperly sorted samples,
Liver injuries (serious, end stage disease)

Last updated: 30/06/2026

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Testing Laboratory

Department

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

Test Code (Numeric Code)

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Transport

Laboratory

Sample Stability

Synonyms

Turnaround Time

Specimen Type

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

Acceptable

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

No of Samples Required

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

Acceptable

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

Minimum Volume (ml)

Transport to Lab

Diagnostic Use

Reference Intervals

Test Method

Limitations / Interference

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

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Transferrin Isoforms (Blood)

Overview

Testing Laboratory

Department

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

Test Code (Numeric Code)

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Transport

Laboratory

Sample Stability

Synonyms

Turnaround Time

Specimen

Specimen Type

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

Acceptable

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

No of Samples Required

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

Acceptable

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

Referral

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

Minimum Volume (ml)

Transport to Lab

Clinical Information/Test Method

Diagnostic Use

Reference Intervals

Test Method

Limitations / Interference

Additional Information

Contact Information

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

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