Ferritin Test
A ferritin test assesses the amount of ferritin in the blood, indicating the body’s iron storage. Ferritin, a protein that stores iron, is measured through this test, offering valuable insights into the body’s iron.
Low ferritin suggests iron deficiency, potentially leading to anaemia, while high levels often signal inflammation, linked to conditions like liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or certain cancers. In rare cases, elevated ferritin may indicate excess iron storage disorders.
What Does the Ferritin Test Measure?
The ferritin blood test explicitly quantifies the amount of ferritin in the bloodstream.
Ferritin, a protein distinct from iron, acts as a reservoir for iron in the body, strategically releasing it when needed. It predominantly resides within cells, particularly in the liver’s hepatocytes and the immune system’s reticuloendothelial cells, with minimal presence in the bloodstream.
As the body signals the need for new red blood cells, ferritin is released from cells and binds with transferrin, a protein that acts as a transporter, carrying ferritin to sites where red blood cells are produced. This ensures a steady supply of iron for essential bodily functions.
Maintaining adequate ferritin levels is essential, as it reflects the body’s stored iron reserves. Insufficient ferritin can lead to rapid depletion of iron stores, highlighting the importance of monitoring not just iron levels but also ferritin levels for overall health and well-being.
Why Undergo a Ferritin Test?
A ferritin test is recommended in several scenarios:
- Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Ferritin levels are a reliable indicator of the body’s iron stores. Low ferritin levels suggest reduced iron reserves, which can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
- Identifying Conditions such as Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is characterised by extreme iron absorption and accumulation in the body’s tissues and organs. Monitoring ferritin levels helps identify and manage hemochromatosis by assessing the body’s iron overload status.
- Monitoring Liver Health: Ferritin is predominantly stored in hepatocytes, the liver cells. High levels of ferritin can indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. A ferritin blood test is essential for monitoring liver health and detecting abnormalities early on.
- Assessing Inflammatory Conditions like Adult-Onset Still Disease (AOSD): Inflammatory conditions, including autoimmune disorders like Adult-Onset Still Disease (AOSD), can lead to elevated ferritin levels due to increased immune system activity and inflammation. Ferritin testing aids in assessing the severity of inflammation and monitoring disease progression in such conditions.
- Managing Iron-Related Disorders Over Time: For individuals with iron-related disorders like hemochromatosis or iron deficiency, a regular iron ferritin test is crucial for managing these conditions over time.
How to Prepare for the Test?
Typically, no specific preparation is needed solely for a ferritin test. However, if other blood tests are planned, fasting might be required. A healthcare provider will provide precise instructions tailored to the situation. Check the ferritin test cost with a healthcare provider or local diagnostic laboratory.
Understanding the Results
Interpreting ferritin levels involves comparing them to established ranges. The WHO states the recommended ferritin levels for defining iron deficiency or risk of iron overload vary by age group and health status:
| Age | Iron Deficiency (Serum Ferritin (μg/L)a,b |
Iron Overload (Serum Ferritin (μg/L)a,b |
| Infants (0-23 months) | <12 | – |
| Preschool children (24-59 months) | <12 | – |
| School-age children (5-12 years) | <15 | >150 Females >200 Males |
| Adolescents (13-19 years) | <15 | >150 Females >200 Males |
| Adults (20-59 years) | <15 | >150 Females >200 Males |
| Older persons (60+ years) | <15 | >150 Females >200 Males |
| Pregnant women | <15 (First trimester) | – |
Note: These are the normal ferritin levels by age for apparently healthy individuals.
Low Ferritin Results
A low ferritin level signifies reduced iron stores, often associated with conditions like iron deficiency anaemia. Further investigations are usually necessary to pinpoint the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
High Ferritin Results
On the other hand, a high ferritin level warrants additional scrutiny. They can stem from various factors like inflammatory conditions, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or even certain cancers. Further tests may be required to determine the precise cause.
The Testing Process
During a serum ferritin test, a small blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically from the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is swift and generally allows patients to resume their daily activities immediately afterwards.
The ferritin test is a valuable tool for assessing iron status and detecting underlying health conditions. Understanding ferritin levels and talking to healthcare providers is important for staying healthy. Make informed decisions with a ferritin test from Dr Lal PathLabs.
FAQs
1. What is the ferritin test for?
The serum ferritin test assesses iron levels in the blood, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia or iron overload disorders.
2. What should your ferritin level be?
Optimal ferritin levels range between 24 to 336 micrograms per litre for men and 11 to 307 micrograms per litre for women, depending on individual health factors.
3. Is ferritin good or bad?
Ferritin itself is a neutral protein that stores iron. However, ferritin levels provide valuable information about iron status and can indicate underlying health conditions, helping healthcare providers make informed diagnoses and treatment decisions.
