Ferritin
FERR
Description
"Ferritin" test measures ferritin, a protein that stores iron, to evaluate how much iron your body has available. It’s commonly used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia, detect inflammation, or assess conditions like hemochromatosis. Low levels suggest depleted iron stores, while high levels may indicate chronic illness or liver problems. Doctors may recommend this test for symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or inflammation. Results guide dietary changes, supplements, or further testing to support iron balance, energy, and immune health.
Test Category
Proteins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Nanograms Per Milliliter | Micrograms Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Iron Group, Complete Blood Sugar Group, Male Health Group, Female Health Group, Complete Cardiovascular Group, Complete Inflammation Group, Mineral Balance Group, Basic Nutrient Deficiency Group, Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group
Test Group Description
Basic Nutrient Deficiency Group: This group comprises essential tests aimed at assessing key nutrient levels vital for overall health and well-being. Complete Blood Sugar Group: This expanded group includes a more comprehensive set of tests, offering a thorough evaluation of diverse facets of blood sugar levels for a more detailed understanding of metabolic health. Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments. Complete Inflammation Group: Extensive tests offer a comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers, yielding detailed insights into inflammation levels and related health conditions. Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group: This comprehensive group includes an expanded panel of tests covering a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Female Health Group: A comprehensive array of tests provides insights into various aspects of female health and wellness, aiding in the evaluation and management of overall health for females. Iron Group: Its focus lies on evaluating iron levels and related parameters, offering insights into iron metabolism and associated health conditions. Male Health Group: A comprehensive array of tests provides insights into various aspects of male health and wellness, aiding in the evaluation and management of overall health for men. Mineral Balance Group: This set focuses on assessing parameters crucial for mineral balance and providing insights into mineral metabolism and associated health considerations.
Optimal Range
For Men:
Conventional Unit: 30–200 ng/mL
SI Unit: 30–200 µg/L
For Women:
Conventional Unit: 30–100 ng/mL
SI Unit: 30–100 µg/L
Normal Range
For Men:
Conventional Unit: 30–400 ng/mL
SI Unit: 30–400 µg/L
For Women:
Conventional Unit: 15–150 ng/mL
SI Unit: 15–150 µg/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Adult-onset still disease (Systemic inflammatory disorder)
Alcoholism
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (Rare autoimmune disorder)
Cirrhosis (Liver scarring)
Diabetes (Metabolic disorder affecting blood sugar levels)
Hepatitis (Liver inflammation)
Hemo...
Key Reasons For Testing
Iron Storage Protein: Ferritin stores excess iron in a soluble, non-toxic form.
Indicator of Iron Status: Serum ferritin reflects iron stores, aiding in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia or overload disorders.
Diagnostic Marker: Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores, signaling iron deficiency.
Monitoring Iron Therapy: Tracks response to supplementation and guides dosage adjustments.
- ...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Brittenham GM. Disorders of iron homeostasis: iron deficiency and overload. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:36.
[2] Camaschella C. Microcytic and hypochromic anemias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine.26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:150.
[3] Dominiczak MH. Vitamins and minerals. In: Baynes JW, Dominiczak MH, eds. Medical Biochemistry. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2019:7.
[4] Ferri FF. Diseases and disorders. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Best Test. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:229-426.
[5] Finch CA, Huebers H. Perspectives in iron metabolism. N Engl J Med. 1982;306(25):1520-1528.
[6] Cook JD, Skikne BS, Lynch SR, Reusser ME. Estimates of iron sufficiency in the US population. Blood.1986;68(3):726-731.
[7] Worwood M. Serum ferritin. CRC Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 1979;10(2):171-204.
[8] Jacobs A, Miller F, Worwood M, Beamish MR, Wardrop CA. Ferritin in the serum of normal subjects and patients with iron deficiency and iron overload. Br Med J. 1972;4(5834):206-208.
[9] Walters GO, Miller FM, Worwood M. Serum ferritin concentration and iron stores in normal subjects. J Clin Pathol.1973;26(10):770-772.
[10] Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Ali M, et al. Laboratory diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia: an overview. J Gen Intern Med. 1992;7(2):145-153.
[11] Lipschitz DA, Cook JD, Finch CA. A clinical evaluation of serum ferritin as an index of iron stores. N Engl J Med.1974;290(22):1213-1216.
[12] Hallberg L, Bengtsson C, Lapidus L, Lindstedt G, Lundberg PA, Hultén L. Screening for iron deficiency: an analysis based on bone-marrow examinations and serum ferritin determinations in a population sample of women. Br J Haematol.1993;85(4):787-798.