FERRITIN

Ferritin Test

The Ferritin test measures the level of ferritin in your blood.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body.

👉 It is the best test to assess iron stores.

🧬 What Is Ferritin?

• Found mainly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow

• Releases iron when your body needs it

• Reflects how much iron is stored in your body

Low ferritin = low iron storage
High ferritin = excess iron or inflammation

🧪 Why Is the Ferritin Test Done?

Doctors order it to:

• Diagnose iron deficiency anemia

• Investigate fatigue or weakness

• Evaluate hair loss

• Check for chronic blood loss

• Monitor iron therapy

• Detect iron overload disorders

📊 Normal Range (Adults)

(Ranges vary by lab.)

🔻 Low Ferritin (Iron Deficiency)

Usually indicates:

• Iron deficiency anemia

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Poor diet

• Chronic blood loss (e.g., ulcers)

• Pregnancy

Symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Pale skin

• Hair loss

• Brittle nails

• Dizziness

🔺 High Ferritin

May occur in:

• Iron overload (e.g., Hemochromatosis)

• Chronic inflammation

• Liver disease

• Infections

• Certain cancers

⚠️ Important: Ferritin increases during inflammation (it is an acute phase reactant), so high levels do not always mean excess iron.

🩺 Ferritin vs. Other Iron Tests

Doctors may also order:

• Serum iron

• TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

• Transferrin saturation

These help give a complete picture of iron status.