Serum Ferritin near me in Visakhapatnam
Understanding Serum Ferritin in Visakhapatnam
What is Serum Ferritin in Visakhapatnam?
The Serum Ferritin test measures ferritin levels in the blood and assesses the body’s capacity to store iron. It is available at an affordable price in Visakhapatnam with Tata 1mg labs. Ferritin is one of the essential proteins that control the absorption and release of iron in the body. A low ferritin level indicates an iron deficiency, while an excess might lead to hemochromatosis, which can cause organ damage.
Your doctor may suggest the Serum Ferritin test if you have symptoms suggestive of iron deficiency, such as weakness, pale or yellow skin, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, cold hands and feet, etc., or iron overload, such as joint pain, stomach pain, weight loss, gray skin color, etc. This test can also be advised in patients suffering from chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, liver diseases, kidney failure, etc., as increased ferritin levels can be observed in such conditions.
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.