How to interpret serum ferritin?
The serum ferritin level correlates with storage iron, located primarily in the reticuloendothelial system.
Interpretation of serum ferritin levels is confounded by ferritin being an acute-phase reactant and rising with acute or chronic inflammation.
In patients with CKD, serum ferritin level <100 ng/mL correlates with a deficiency in storage iron; such patients almost invariably respond to supplemental iron therapy.