Ferritin Test
Blood Sample
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About Ferritin Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Serum Ferritin, S. Ferritin, Ferritin Blood Test, Serum Ferritin Level Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Not required for a ferritin-only test; may be needed if combined with other iron studies |
| Report Time | Same day to 24 hours |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, particularly women of reproductive age, pregnant women, vegetarians, and those with chronic conditions |
| Price | Starting at ₹660 |
What Is a Ferritin Test?
A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin, an iron-storing protein, in your blood. Because ferritin levels reflect how much iron your body has in reserve, the test gives doctors a reliable picture of your iron status. It is also called a serum ferritin or serum ferritin level test, and it requires a simple blood sample drawn from a vein.
What Does a Ferritin Test Measure?
The ferritin blood test measures a single parameter: ferritin.
| Parameter | What It Tells Your Doctor |
|---|---|
| Ferritin | A protein that stores iron inside your cells. Its concentration in the blood reflects your body's total iron reserves. One ferritin molecule can hold thousands of iron atoms, making it the body's main iron storage protein. |
Why Is a Ferritin Test Done?
Doctors request a serum ferritin test for a range of reasons, from investigating low iron levels to checking for iron overload.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to order this test:
- Joint pain
- Stomach pain
- Low energy
- Weight loss
- Low iron levels (anaemia)
- High iron levels (hemochromatosis): a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body
- To see if treatments for iron deficiency (low iron levels) or excess iron (high iron levels) are working
- Those who are underweight
- Having heavy menstrual bleeding
- During pregnancy
- Those who have issues with food absorption (inflammatory bowel disease)
- Frequent headaches
- Hair thinning or unexplained hair loss
- Pale skin
- Difficulty concentrating or reduced work performance
- Irritability
- Reduced tolerance for physical activity
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying several conditions, including:
- Iron deficiency anaemia (the body does not produce enough red blood cells due to low iron)
- Haemochromatosis (a condition where the body stores excess iron)
- Liver disease, where damaged liver tissue releases ferritin into the bloodstream
- Inflammation from autoimmune diseases or infections
- Restless legs syndrome related to iron deficiency
- Adult-onset Still's disease, a rare condition associated with very high ferritin levels
- Chronic conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders
Ferritin Test During Pregnancy
A serum ferritin level test is recommended at least once early in pregnancy. Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, and many women enter pregnancy with insufficient iron stores. The test helps identify iron deficiency before it progresses to anaemia, making it one of the most clinically useful checks during prenatal care.
Ferritin Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For people managing chronic kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune conditions, regular serum ferritin monitoring helps track changes in iron levels over time. In patients with kidney disease on dialysis, guidelines recommend maintaining ferritin above a certain threshold. Your doctor will decide how frequently testing is needed based on your condition and treatment plan.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for a ferritin test is straightforward, though a few simple steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for a ferritin-only test. However, if your doctor has also requested serum iron or transferrin saturation tests at the same time, you may be asked to fast for up to 12 hours beforehand.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your appointment:
- Tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as some can affect ferritin levels
- If you take biotin (vitamin B7) supplements, wait at least 72 hours after your last dose before giving a sample
- Try to have your blood drawn in the morning, as timing can sometimes influence results
- Wear comfortable clothing with loose sleeves for easy access to your arm
- Stay well hydrated
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during a blood sample collection:
- You sit in a chair, and the phlebotomist identifies a suitable vein, usually on the inner side of your elbow.
- The area is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is inserted into the vein. You may feel a brief pinch.
- A small quantity of blood is collected into a test tube.
- Once enough blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball or gauze is gently pressed over the site.
- The labelled sample is sealed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your results:
- Active infection or inflammation (ferritin rises as part of the body's response to inflammation)
- Liver disease, obesity, or metabolic conditions
- Recent blood transfusion
- Certain medications or iron supplements
- Advancing age (ferritin tends to be higher in older adults)
Understanding Your Ferritin Test Results
Understanding Ferritin Test Results
Your results show whether your iron stores are within a healthy range, too low, or too high. Always review your results with a doctor who can consider them alongside your symptoms and medical history.
| Group | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Adult females | 12 to 150 | ng/mL |
| Adult males | 12 to 300 | ng/mL |
| Children (6 months to 15 years) | 12 to 140 | ng/mL |
| Infants (up to 6 months) | Up to 650 | ng/mL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
- Inflammation can raise ferritin levels even when iron stores are low, which may make results harder to interpret. A normal ferritin reading during an active infection does not necessarily rule out iron deficiency.
- During pregnancy, ferritin levels naturally fall around mid-term due to increased blood volume and iron being redirected to the growing baby. This is an expected change, and your doctor will interpret results with this in mind.
- Certain ethnic groups, including people of African and Asian descent, tend to have naturally higher average ferritin concentrations. Your doctor will take this into account when reviewing your results.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General dietary habits can support healthy iron stores:
- Include iron-rich foods in your meals, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods (such as citrus fruits or tomatoes) alongside iron-rich meals, as vitamin C helps the body absorb iron more effectively
- Avoid drinking tea or coffee immediately after meals, as these can reduce iron absorption
Lupin Diagnostics Ferritin Test Price and Home Collection
The ferritin test at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹350, with home collection available across cities for your convenience.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | ₹700 |
| Mumbai | ₹660 |
| Bangalore | ₹750 |
| Bhopal | ₹700 |
| Chennai | ₹700 |
| Kolkata | ₹700 |
| Pune | ₹660 |
| Guwahati | ₹800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the serum ferritin test across multiple cities. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
FAQs on Ferritin Test
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron within your body's cells. The ferritin test tells your doctor how much iron your body has in reserve. This is useful for detecting both iron deficiency and iron overload before they cause serious problems.
A serum iron test only measures the iron currently circulating in your blood at that moment. The serum ferritin level test reflects your stored iron, giving a more complete and stable picture of your overall iron status.
No fasting is needed for a ferritin test on its own. If your doctor has requested additional iron studies at the same visit, such as serum iron or transferrin saturation, you may need to fast for up to 12 hours. Your doctor or the lab will advise you.
Yes. Iron supplements, certain prescription medications, and high-dose biotin (vitamin B7) can all affect the result. Always inform your doctor about everything you are taking so they can advise you appropriately before the test.
Not necessarily. While high ferritin can indicate iron overload or haemochromatosis, it can also rise due to inflammation, liver disease, infections, obesity, or certain cancers. Your doctor will look at the full picture, including other test results and your symptoms, before making a conclusion.
Reports are typically available on the same day or within 24 hours of sample collection. Lupin Diagnostics delivers reports digitally via email or WhatsApp.
The frequency depends on your individual health condition. For people managing chronic kidney disease or other long-term conditions that affect iron status, the doctor will advise on testing intervals based on symptoms, haemoglobin trends, and treatment response. Routine annual checks may be appropriate for others at risk of iron deficiency.
Ferritin test
