Ferritin Test

• Serum ferritin levels are measured to determine the concentration of iron in the body.
• It aids in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia and iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis.
• The serum ferritin level also serves as a tool to monitor the effects of iron therapy.
• It is used to diagnose different medical conditions, such as liver disease, anaemia from chronic blood loss, and to differentiate types of anaemia.

Ferritin Test measures serum ferritin levels in the body which is used to assess a person's iron status, helping to diagnose conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload disorders like hemochromatosis.

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. 

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.

Your healthcare provider is the best person to suggest the most appropriate therapy required by your individual medical condition.

• Ferritin test
• Serum Ferritin
• Iron profile

People with the following signs and symptoms are advised to get a ferritin test. In the early stages of iron deficiency, no physical changes are seen. As the iron deficiency progresses, the following symptoms become evident:

• Fatigue/weakness
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headaches
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of overload of iron accumulation in the body tissues include:

• Joint pains
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Lack of energy
• Low sex drive
• Organ damage such as heart, liver

The ferritin test is a blood test that measures ferritin levels, a protein that stores iron in your cells, to determine if you have a healthy amount of iron in your body for making red blood cells and maintaining overall health.

The ferritin test detects the amount of ferritin in your blood, indirectly measuring your body's iron stores. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions related to iron deficiency or overload, such as anaemia, hemochromatosis, liver disease, and inflammatory conditions.

Positive ferritin test reports (either high or low) indicate abnormal iron storage levels. High levels may suggest iron overload, inflammation, liver disease, or cancer, while low levels indicate iron deficiency anaemia. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and may order additional tests.

The benefits of the ferritin test benefits include diagnosing and monitoring iron-related conditions, identifying inflammation and other conditions affecting iron levels, guiding treatment, monitoring response to iron supplementation, and screening high-risk groups for early detection of iron deficiency.

The ferritin test is generally safe with minimal risks, such as excessive bleeding, feeling faint, bruising, or a slight risk of infection when the skin is broken during blood collection.

The ferritin test helps diagnose and monitor conditions like iron deficiency anaemia, hemochromatosis (iron overload), liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C), inflammatory conditions (adult-onset Still's disease), and restless legs syndrome (if related to iron deficiency).

Yes, certain medications and health conditions can affect your ferritin test results. Inflammatory conditions, liver disease, and some medications can elevate ferritin levels. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before the test. 

Yes, COVID-19 infection can lead to elevated serum ferritin test levels due to inflammation. Ferritin, an acute phase reactant, increases in response to inflammation caused by the infection.

No, fasting is not required before a ferritin test. To ensure accurate results, it’s important to: get enough sleep, reduce stress, inform your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking, and follow their specific instructions.

Several factors can affect ferritin test results, including inflammatory conditions, liver disease, obesity, alcohol use disorder, cancer, hemochromatosis, poor diet or absorption issues, medications, and recent blood transfusions.

Ferritin test results are usually available after 6 hours, although this timeframe can vary depending on the laboratory and its workload.