Home›Serum Ferritin

Content created by

Written by

MSc, BSc

Reviewed by

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Serum Ferritin

Also known as Ferritin serum, Iron (Fe) Stores, S. Ferritin

₹299

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Serum Ferritin

What is Serum Ferritin?

The Serum Ferritin test measures the ferritin protein level in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Hence, this test helps determine how much iron is stored in your body. It also helps detect diseases such as iron deficiency anemia as well as the nutritional status of an individual.

Iron is an essential mineral required for various bodily functions, including oxygen transport, energy production, and enzyme activity. It is also vital for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and other functions, including brain development in children. Ferritin, primarily concentrated in the liver and immune system cells, is responsible for storing excess iron safely. When the body needs iron, ferritin releases it into the blood for use.

The Serum Ferritin test helps detect diseases such as iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of iron in the body, hemochromatosis (iron overload), which can lead to organ damage (particularly the liver), and the nutritional status of an individual (concerning iron intake). It also helps monitor iron levels in individuals with chronic diseases or those receiving iron therapy.

Your doctor may advise the Serum Ferritin test when you have symptoms suggestive of altered iron levels, such as pale skin, extreme tiredness, weakness, heavy menstrual cycles, bleeding in your digestive tract, blood in your stool, shortness of breath, brittle nails, whooshing sound in your ears, and sudden spinning sensations (vertigo).

No special preparation is needed for a ferritin test; eat or drink as per your daily routine. However, talk to your doctor about all the pre-test instructions.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The test results will help them develop appropriate management plans based on your needs and circumstances.

What is Serum Ferritin used for?

The Serum Ferritin test can be done:

To diagnose or confirm iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of iron in the body.
To monitor iron levels in individuals with chronic diseases, iron overload disorders, or those receiving iron therapy.
To assess organ function, particularly the liver, detect or monitor diseases like liver disease, restless leg syndrome, adult-onset Still’s disease, etc.
To determine the body’s capacity to store iron.
To assess the nutritional status, particularly concerning iron intake.

What does Serum Ferritin measure?

The Serum Ferritin test measures the concentration of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein found in cells, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, that stores iron in a soluble or nontoxic form. When the body needs iron for essential functions like producing red blood cells and carrying oxygen, it releases iron from ferritin into the blood.

The Serum Ferritin test provides valuable information about the body's iron storage levels. Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency, a condition where the body lacks enough iron to function properly. In contrast, elevated ferritin levels can indicate iron overload, a condition known as hemochromatosis. Iron overload can lead to organ damage if not adequately managed, making early detection crucial.

The Serum Ferritin test is a critical tool for assessing iron status, diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, monitoring treatment progress, detecting other iron-related disorders, and maintaining overall health.

Interpreting Serum Ferritin results

Interpretations

Normal levels:

Adults:
- Males: 20 to 250 ng/mL
- Females 18 to 39 years age: 10 to 120 ng/mL
- Females over 40 years of age: 12 to 263 ng/mL
Children:
- Newborns 25 to 200 ng/mL
- Infants 1 month age: 200 to 600 ng/mL
- Infants 2 to 5 months age: 50 to 200 ng/mL
- Children 6 months to 15 years age: 7 to 140 ng/mL

Ferritin test results are usually interpreted in combination with other iron tests as follows:

Iron	TIBC	UIBC	Transferrin Saturation	Ferritin	Condition
Low	High	High	Low	Low	Iron Deficiency
High	Low	Low	High	High	Hemochromatosis, Hemosiderosis
Low	Low/Normal	Low/Normal	Low/Normal	High/Normal	Chronic Illness
High	Normal/Low	Low/Normal	High	High	Hemolytic Anemia
Normal/High	Normal/Low	Low/Normal	High	High	Sideroblastic Anemia
High	Normal	Low	High	Normal	Iron Poisoning

A higher-than-normal level of ferritin in the blood is called hyperferritinemia.

A lower-than-normal level of ferritin in the blood is called hypoferritinemia.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serum Ferritin

Frequently Asked Questions about Serum Ferritin

Q. Describe the meaning of ferritin?

Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled manner. This protein is produced by nearly all living organisms, including plants, animals, bacteria, algae, etc.

Q. What is the Serum Ferritin test, and why is it important?

The Serum Ferritin test measures the level of ferritin in your blood, which is crucial for assessing iron levels in your body. It's important because it helps diagnose iron deficiency, iron overload, and various health conditions related to iron metabolism.

Q. How is the Serum Ferritin test performed?

A doctor will clean the skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take out a blood sample from your veins using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the lab for analysis.

Q. Which diseases are diagnosed with the Serum Ferritin test?

The Serum Ferritin test is used to screen for iron-deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis (iron overload), adult-onset Still’s disease, and liver disease.

Q. Can the Serum Ferritin test diagnose iron-deficiency anemia?

Yes, the Serum Ferritin test is a valuable tool in diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia. Low ferritin levels are a key indicator of this condition, which can cause a decrease in red blood cell production and oxygen-carrying capacity.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Serum Ferritin test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting while the needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What are the symptoms of low ferritin levels? What is its treatment?

Low ferritin levels often indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Your doctor may advise iron supplements to increase your ferritin levels. In severe cases of anemia, you may also require treatment with intravenous iron.

Q. What factors can elevate the serum ferritin levels?

Elevated ferritin levels may be due to various factors, including iron overload disorders (hemochromatosis), chronic inflammatory conditions, liver disease, alcoholism, or certain medications.

Q. Is fasting necessary before the Serum Ferritin test?

Generally, fasting is not required for the Serum Ferritin test. However, it's essential to follow any specific instructions from your doctor.

Q. How often should I take the Serum Ferritin test if I have iron-related concerns?

The frequency of ferritin testing depends on your specific health condition and treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate testing schedule for your needs.

Q. Can COVID-19 infection affect serum ferritin levels?

Ferritin is a known inflammatory biomarker in case of COVID-19. Studies show that ferritin levels do increase in severe COVID-19 cases. However, many factors and co-morbidities can confound the level of serum ferritin.

+ more