Ferritin is a protein found in the body, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. This protein is responsible for storing iron in the body and releasing it when needed.

The ferritin test is a blood test used to measure the level of ferritin in the blood. The test results can help diagnose and monitor conditions related to abnormal iron levels in the body.

Why is ferritin test done?

The ferritin test is done to diagnose and monitor conditions related to abnormal iron levels in the body, such as:.

Anemia- a condition in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells
Hemochromatosis- a condition where there is an overload of iron in the body
Hepatitis C- a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver
Liver disease- such as cirrhosis
Rheumatoid arthritis- a disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints

Interpreting ferritin test results

The ferritin test results are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. The normal range of ferritin levels may vary depending on gender, age, and the lab that performs the test. In general, the normal range of ferritin levels are:.

For men: 20 to 500 ng/mL
For women: 10 to 200 ng/mL
For children: 7 to 140 ng/mL

High ferritin levels

High ferritin levels may indicate:.

Anemia of chronic disease- a condition where there is inflammation in the body that affects the production of red blood cells
Autoimmune disorders- such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Hemochromatosis- a condition where there is an overload of iron in the body
Hepatitis C- a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver
Liver disease- such as cirrhosis
Metastatic cancer
Thalassemia- a group of inherited blood disorders

Low ferritin levels

Low ferritin levels may indicate:.

Anemia- a condition in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells
Blood loss- due to injury, surgery, or menstrual period
Dietary deficiency- not getting enough iron in the diet
Hypothyroidism- a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones
Pregnancy- as the body needs more iron during pregnancy

Factors affecting ferritin test results

Several factors may affect the accuracy of ferritin test results. These include:.

Inflammation- conditions that cause inflammation in the body may increase ferritin levels even if the body does not have an excess of iron
Iron supplements- taking iron supplements may increase ferritin levels in the blood
Infections- certain infections such as tuberculosis and viral hepatitis may cause an increase in ferritin levels
Time of day- ferritin levels may vary depending on the time of day the blood sample is taken
Recent blood transfusion- a recent blood transfusion may affect ferritin levels in the blood

Preparing for ferritin test

Before taking the ferritin test, the following preparations may be necessary:.

The patient should avoid taking iron supplements for at least 24 hours before the test
The patient should inform the healthcare provider if he or she has recently undergone a blood transfusion
Depending on the reason for the test, the healthcare provider may request the patient to fast for a certain period before the test

Risks and complications of ferritin test

The ferritin test is a simple blood test that involves minimal risks or complications. However, as with any blood test, there may be slight discomfort or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted.

Conclusion

The ferritin test is a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to abnormal iron levels in the body.

Patients should discuss the test results with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action if the results indicate abnormal iron levels.