What is the formula for calculating percent saturation of iron?

The formula for calculating percent saturation of iron is correctly identified as the ratio of serum iron to total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) multiplied by 100. This formula gives a percentage figure that indicates how much of the available iron-binding capacity is actually occupied by iron in the serum.

In clinical practice, this measurement is essential for assessing iron metabolism and can provide valuable insights into conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis. Percent saturation helps to evaluate how efficiently the body is utilizing iron and can assist in diagnosing various hematological disorders.

Using the formula, the serum iron level is a direct measurement of the iron that is available in the serum. TIBC reflects the total capacity of the serum to bind iron with transferrin, which is an important protein that transports iron. By taking the serum iron concentration, dividing it by the TIBC, and then multiplying by 100, you arrive at a percentage that accurately describes the saturation of transferrin with iron.

Other mentioned formulas do not correctly describe the relationship between serum iron and TIBC in qualifying or quantifying iron saturation within the serum, hence they do not provide valid calculations for percent saturation.