Ferritin Serum Test

Ferritin Test is recommended if one  has symptoms of disease occurring from low/ high iron levels.
Symptoms of low iron levels : Pale skin, Fatigue, Weakness, Dizziness, shortness of breath, Rapid heart beat
Symptoms of high iron levels:  joint pain, abdominal pain, lack of energy, weight loss.
Serum ferritin concentrations may serve as a tool to monitor the effects of iron therapy

• Serum ferritin levels are measured to determine the concentration of iron in the body.
• The test is recommended if you have symptoms of disease associated with low or high iron levels. When you have iron deficiency or anaemia, your serum ferritin concentration is 1/10th of normal levels. When there is an iron overload, e.g., hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis, the serum ferritin concentration is higher.
• The serum ferritin level also serves as a tool to monitor the effects of iron therapy.

A serum ferritin test is used for the following purposes:

• A diagnostic test for iron deficiency or if a person displays symptoms of low iron levels
• To diagnose a medical condition and to differentiate other diseases like liver disease.
• Assessing ferritin status.

Ferritin Test measures serum ferritin levels in the body

Ferritin test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

The serum ferritin test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home to collect the sample. Book your tests through our website.

The normal range can vary slightly from one laboratory to another. The normal range also varies depending on age and sex.

The results are given as "normal," "low," or "high" in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). The normal range for ferritin in your blood serum is:

• For adult males, 24 to 336 ng/mL
• For adult females, 24 to 307 ng/mL

Low levels indicate that the body's iron stores are low. Conditions such as

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Anaemia due to chronic blood loss
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Hemodialysis

High levels indicate a medical condition that causes your body to store too much iron. High levels may be seen in:

• Iron toxicity
• Hemochromatosis
• Iron overload
• Infection
• Heavy alcohol use
• Liver disease
• Leukemia
• Multiple blood transfusions
• Hyperthyroidism
• Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Hodgkin lymphoma

There are no specific instructions for this test. You need to inform the doctor about any medications you are currently taking. No fasting is required unless there is another test for which you are providing a sample.

It is used to diagnose different medical conditions, such as

• Liver disease
• Anaemia from chronic blood loss
• Iron overload or hemochromatosis
• To differentiate types of anaemia.

If you have low ferritin, then additional tests will be ordered. These include serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC).

• The skin of the arm is cleaned with an antiseptic and the lab technician will tie a tourniquet to improve blood collection.
• A sterilized needle is used to collect the required amount of blood from a vein in your arm.
• The sample collected is transferred into a small test tube.
• A cotton ball or bandage is placed over the site of the injection.
• The collected sample is then sent for testing at a laboratory.

• For low ferritin levels, oral iron supplements may be required.
• For severe anaemia, an intravenous iron treatment is suggested.
• For high ferritin levels, treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Ferritin test

Serum Ferritin

Iron profile