Ferritin Test

Ferritin Test- Why am I having this test?

Ferritin test is performed to determine if you have anemia due to iron deficiency. The test provides an indication of how much iron is stored in your body.

What is being tested?

This test measures the level of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin helps your body make red blood cells and the protein hemoglobin. Over time, a low ferritin level will result in a low hemoglobin and red blood cell count. This can lead to symptoms of iron deficiency, such as shortness of breath.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

  • Males: 12–300 ng/mL or 12–300 mcg/L (SI units).
  • Females: 10–150 ng/mL or 10–150 mcg/L (SI units).
  • Children or adolescents:
    • Newborn: 25–200 ng/mL.
    • Less than or equal to 1 month old: 200–600 ng/mL.
    • 2–5 months old: 50–200 ng/mL.
    • 6 months to 15 years old: 7–142 ng/mL.

What do the results mean?

  • Results that are above the reference range may indicate:
    • Anemia due to causes other than iron deficiency. These include alcoholism.
    • Inflammatory diseases. Examples include collagen vascular disease and chronic hepatitis.
    • Certain types of cancer. These include leukemia.
    • Disorders that cause iron overload in the body, such as hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis.
  • Results that are below the reference range may indicate iron deficiency anemia.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • The ferritin test is performed to determine if you have anemia due to iron deficiency. The test provides an indication of how much iron is stored in your body.
  • Ferritin helps your body make red blood cells and the protein hemoglobin.
  • Levels of ferritin that are above or below the reference range may indicate some diseases, such as anemia, leukemia, hepatitis, or hemochromatosis.
  • Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
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