Ferritin Test
Ferritin
Iron is a nutrient essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and for the transport of oxygen throughout the body. Iron is stored in the protein ferritin. Small amounts of ferritin are released from cells, and they circulate in the blood when the body needs iron.
A ferritin test is used to determine the amount of ferritin present in the blood. When the body contains too little or too much iron, it could indicate a serious medical condition. If you exhibit symptoms of anemia (lack of iron) or polycythemia (iron overload) or if a complete blood count (CBC) test report reveals low levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit, doctors will order a ferritin test along with other iron tests to determine the levels of iron in your body. Thus, early detection and treatment of iron deficiency or overload using a ferritin test can prevent serious health conditions.
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This test is also known as Iron deficiency anemia - ferritin, serum ferritin level
Symptoms of low iron levels
Pale skin
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Symptoms of high iron levels
Joint pain
Stomach pain
Low energy
Weight loss
What is ferritin test used for?
A ferritin test is ordered for diagnostic purposes if you have abnormal levels of iron caused by:
Having low levels of iron (anaemia)
Having high levels of iron (hemochromatosis) This is a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the bodyHaving high levels of iron (hemochromatosis) This is a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body
Who should get tested? Ferritin test is ordered for screening purposes in individuals:
To see if treatments for iron deficiency (low iron levels) or excess iron (high iron levels) are working
Who are underweight
Having heavy menstrual bleeding
Who are pregnant
Who have issues with food absorption (inflammatory bowel disease)
Test preparation:
Ferritin test alone does not require any special preparation, but a ferritin test is usually ordered along with an iron studies test, which may require fasting for up to 12 hours before the test. Only drinking water during this time is recommended.
Interpretation of results
|
Parameters |
Normal ferritin test values in adults |
|
Male |
12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) |
|
Female |
12 to 150 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) |
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Normal value ranges may slightly differ among different laboratories and some labs use different measurements.
Higher than normal ferritin level may be a sign of:
·      Excess iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
·      Liver disease (alcohol abuse)
·      An autoimmune disorder (rheumatoid arthritis)
·      Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
·      Frequent red blood cell transfusions
Lower than normal ferritin level may be a sign of:
·      Bleeding in the digestive tract
·      Heavy menstrual bleeding
·      Intestinal conditions causing poor absorption of iron
·      Iron deficiency in diet
FAQs
How is the sample collected during a ferritin test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the results of a ferritin test?
You will usually get the reports within the same day after the collection of the blood sample. At times, it could take longer
What are the risks involved in a ferritin test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle went in. Rarely, the site can become infected
hould I be concerned if my ferritin test level is abnormal?
If your ferritin test results reveal that you have high or low levels of ferritin, it might be because of a medical condition. Other factors, like diet and inflammatory health conditions, can also influence your ferritin levels. If you have an abnormal result, consult your healthcare provider, who may order additional tests to determine the cause of your abnormal ferritin levels
What conditions can cause higher ferritin levels?
Several conditions, including excessive intake of iron supplements, multiple blood transfusions, alcohol abuse, hemochromatosis, porphyria, rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory disorders, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma, can produce higher than normal ferritin levels. On the basis of your symptoms and the results of your physical examination, additional testing may be necessary to diagnose these conditions.
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