Ferritin Most Popular

The Ferritin test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The Ferritin test measures the levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body, in the blood. Ferritin is primarily found in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The Ferritin test helps assess iron stores in the body and plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring of iron-related disorders.

Also Known As: Ferritin Serum Test, Ferritin Test, Ferritin Blood Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Ferritin test ordered?

A Ferritin test may be ordered in several situations to assess ferritin levels:

1. Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Anemia: The Ferritin test is commonly ordered to assess iron stores in individuals suspected of having iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of iron in the body.

2. Monitoring Iron Therapy: For individuals receiving iron supplementation or undergoing treatment for iron deficiency anemia, the Ferritin test helps monitor response to therapy and determine the need for ongoing treatment.

3. Evaluation of Iron Overload: In cases where iron overload is suspected, such as hereditary hemochromatosis or secondary iron overload conditions, the Ferritin test aids in assessing the extent of iron accumulation in the body.

4. Assessment of Chronic Diseases: Some chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic liver disease, can affect ferritin levels. The Ferritin test helps evaluate the iron status in these conditions.

What does a Ferritin blood test check for?

Ferritin is an iron-containing protein that stores iron in cells in its most basic form. The amount of total iron stored in the body is reflected in the little amount of ferritin released into the blood. This test determines how much ferritin is present in the blood.

About 70% of the iron consumed by the body is integrated into the hemoglobin of red blood cells in healthy humans. The remaining 30% is stored primarily as ferritin or hemosiderin, which is a combination of iron, proteins, and other elements. Hemosiderin and ferritin are typically found in the liver, although they can also be found in the bone marrow, spleen, and skeletal muscles.

Iron stores are depleted and ferritin levels fall when available iron is insufficient to meet the body's needs. This can happen owing to a lack of iron, poor absorption, or an increased need for iron, such as during pregnancy or if you have a condition that causes persistent blood loss. Before any indicators of iron shortage appear, significant loss of iron reserves may occur.

When the body absorbs more iron than it needs, iron storage and ferritin levels rise. Chronic iron absorption causes a gradual buildup of iron compounds in organs, which can eventually lead to organ malfunction and failure. Even on a typical diet, this happens in hemochromatosis, a hereditary disorder in which the body absorbs too much iron.

Lab tests often ordered with a Ferritin test:

Alongside a ferritin test, several other tests are commonly ordered to get a comprehensive understanding of iron status and related blood parameters:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health, including the number and health of red blood cells.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Low red blood cell counts and hemoglobin can indicate anemia. In iron deficiency anemia, red blood cells are often smaller and paler than normal (microcytic and hypochromic).

2. Serum Iron:

   • Purpose: To measure the amount of iron in the blood that is not stored but is circulating or available for use.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess current iron levels which, when low, alongside low ferritin levels, support a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.

3. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC):

   • Purpose: TIBC measures all proteins available to bind iron, including transferrin, and UIBC measures the reserve capacity for iron binding.
   • Why Is It Ordered: High TIBC and UIBC are often seen in iron deficiency, while low levels may be present in iron overload conditions.

4. Transferrin:

   • Purpose: Transferrin is the main protein that transports iron, and the transferrin receptor reflects the body's demand for iron.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate iron transport and the body's need for iron; increased levels may indicate iron deficiency.

5. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit:

   • Purpose: These are part of the CBC but are often looked at in conjunction with ferritin to assess anemia.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels may suggest anemia due to various causes, including iron deficiency.

6. Reticulocyte Count:

   • Purpose: To measure the number of young red blood cells in the blood and assess bone marrow function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: A high reticulocyte count can indicate the bone marrow's response to anemia, while a low count can suggest poor marrow response or a lack of iron for producing new red cells.

7. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):

   • Purpose: These are markers of inflammation.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To discern if inflammation or infection is contributing to changes in ferritin levels, as ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant and can be elevated in inflammation.

8. Vitamin B12 and Folate Tests:

   • Purpose: To assess levels of these vitamins, which are necessary for red blood cell production.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To rule out other types of anemia, such as megaloblastic anemia, where these vitamin levels would be low.

9. Liver Function Tests:

   • Purpose: To assess the health of the liver, which can be affected by iron overload.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Elevated liver enzymes can occur in conditions of iron overload, such as hemochromatosis.

These tests together with ferritin can help determine if an individual has an iron deficiency, iron overload, or another issue affecting iron metabolism. They can also guide the clinician in managing the condition appropriately, whether it involves iron supplementation, phlebotomy, or further investigation for other conditions.

Conditions where a Ferritin test is recommended:

A Ferritin test is commonly ordered for:

1. Iron Deficiency Anemia: The test helps diagnose and monitor iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of iron in the body.

2. Iron Overload: Ferritin levels can be elevated in conditions of iron overload, such as hereditary hemochromatosis or secondary iron overload due to chronic transfusions or other conditions.

3. Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Certain chronic inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic liver disease, or chronic kidney disease, can affect ferritin levels. The Ferritin test aids in evaluating iron status in these conditions.

How does my healthcare provider use a Ferritin test?

Healthcare providers use the results of a Ferritin test to:

1. Diagnose Iron Deficiency Anemia: Low ferritin levels indicate depleted iron stores and help healthcare providers diagnose iron deficiency anemia, guiding appropriate treatment interventions.

2. Monitor Iron Therapy: The Ferritin test helps healthcare providers monitor the response to iron supplementation or treatment for iron deficiency anemia, ensuring appropriate iron repletion and adjusting therapy as needed.

3. Assess Iron Overload: Elevated ferritin levels can indicate iron overload conditions. The test results aid healthcare providers in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions, guiding treatment strategies such as therapeutic phlebotomy or chelation therapy.

4. Evaluate Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Ferritin levels can be influenced by chronic inflammatory conditions. Healthcare providers use the Ferritin test to assess iron status in these conditions and determine if further investigation or management is necessary.

By effectively utilizing the results of a Ferritin test, healthcare providers can diagnose iron deficiency anemia, monitor iron therapy, assess iron overload conditions, evaluate chronic inflammatory conditions, and make informed decisions regarding patient care and treatment interventions related to iron status.

What does my ferritin lab test result mean?

Ferritin levels are frequently measured alongside other iron tests.

Ferritin levels are low in iron deficient people and high in people who have hemochromatosis or have had several blood transfusions.

Ferritin is an acute phase reactant that can be elevated in persons who have inflammation, liver illness, chronic infection, autoimmune disorders, or cancer. Ferritin isn't commonly utilized to detect or monitor these problems.

Most Common Questions About the Ferritin test:

Understanding the Test

What is the Ferritin test?

The Ferritin test is a blood test that measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells, and the test is commonly used to assess the amount of iron in the body.

Why would a doctor order a Ferritin test?

A doctor might order a Ferritin test if they suspect that you have an iron-related condition, such as iron deficiency anemia or iron overload syndrome (hemochromatosis). The test can also help monitor these conditions if you've already been diagnosed.

What conditions can the Ferritin test diagnose?

The Ferritin test can help diagnose a number of conditions related to iron levels in the body, including iron deficiency anemia, iron overload syndrome, liver disease, chronic illness, and certain types of cancer.

Preparing for the Test

Do I need to fast before a Ferritin test?

No, you typically do not need to fast before a Ferritin test. However, you should always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

Are there any medications that can affect the Ferritin test results?

Yes, certain medications can affect ferritin levels. These include oral contraceptives, some cholesterol medications, and antibiotics. If you're taking any medication, it's important to inform your healthcare provider.

Interpreting Results

How are the results of the Ferritin test reported?

The results of the Ferritin test are typically reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on your health history and other test results.

What are the normal ranges for the Ferritin test?

Normal ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample. In general, for men, a normal ferritin level is between 20-500 ng/mL, and for women, it is between 10-200 ng/mL.

What does a low Ferritin level indicate?

A low ferritin level is a sign of iron deficiency, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This could be due to a diet low in iron, problems absorbing iron, or blood loss.

What does a high Ferritin level indicate?

High ferritin levels can indicate a condition called hemochromatosis, an iron overload disorder. It could also indicate liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or some types of cancer.

Follow-up and Treatment

If my Ferritin test results are abnormal, what is the next step?

If your ferritin levels are abnormal, your healthcare provider may order additional tests to determine the cause. This could include other blood tests, genetic testing, or procedures like a liver biopsy.

How is low Ferritin treated?

Treatment for low ferritin typically involves increasing dietary iron intake or taking iron supplements. In severe cases, intravenous iron therapy or blood transfusions may be necessary.

How is high Ferritin treated?

Treatment for high ferritin depends on the cause. In the case of hemochromatosis, phlebotomy (removing blood from the body) is a common treatment. Other treatments may target the underlying condition causing the high ferritin.

Comparisons with Other Tests

What is the difference between the Ferritin test and the Iron test?

While the Ferritin test measures the amount of stored iron in your body, the Iron test measures the amount of iron that is currently in your blood. Bothtests can help diagnose conditions related to iron, but they provide different information and are often used together.

Why might a doctor order a Ferritin test instead of a Transferrin test?

Both ferritin and transferrin tests can be used to assess iron balance in the body. However, ferritin levels can help diagnose iron overload disorders and monitor the body's response to iron therapy, while transferrin levels are often used to assess iron deficiency.

Additional Questions

Can a Ferritin test detect cancer?

While a Ferritin test is not a specific test for cancer, high levels of ferritin can be associated with certain types of cancer. However, many other conditions can also cause high ferritin levels.

Can a Ferritin test determine if I'm anemic?

A Ferritin test can help diagnose iron deficiency anemia by measuring the amount of stored iron in your body. If your ferritin levels are low, it indicates that your body's iron stores are depleted, which can lead to anemia.

How often should I get a Ferritin test?

The frequency of testing depends on your health and whether you're being monitored for a specific condition. If you're at risk for an iron disorder or have been diagnosed with one, your healthcare provider will provide guidance on how often you should be tested.

Understanding the Impact

Does exercise affect the Ferritin test results?

Intense exercise can temporarily increase ferritin levels, but the impact on the test results is typically small.

Can the Ferritin test results be influenced by the menstrual cycle in women?

Yes, ferritin levels can decrease due to iron loss during menstruation, which could potentially influence test results.

Managing Abnormal Levels

If my Ferritin levels are high, should I avoid foods rich in iron?

If you have high ferritin due to an iron overload condition, your healthcare provider may recommend a diet low in iron. However, dietary changes alone are unlikely to significantly reduce ferritin levels and additional treatment may be needed.

Can alcohol consumption affect Ferritin levels?

Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can increase ferritin levels, and it can also damage the liver, leading to further increases in ferritin.

Medical Consultation

What kind of doctor interprets the results of the Ferritin test?

Usually, the healthcare provider who ordered the test - which could be a general practitioner, internist, or a hematologist - will interpret the results.

Can the Ferritin test be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for iron-related disorders?

Yes, the Ferritin test is often used to monitor the body's response to treatment for conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis.

Can pregnancy affect the results of the Ferritin test?

Yes, ferritin levels can decrease during pregnancy due to increased iron demands, and this may influence the results of the test.

Is the Ferritin test safe during pregnancy?

Yes, the Ferritin test is a simple blood test and is considered safe during pregnancy. It can be used to ensure the mother has sufficient iron stores to support the developing fetus.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.