The Ferritin Blood test is used to measure the ferritin level in blood. An essential protein called ferritin is present in cells where it stores iron and releases it when the body needs it. Ferritin can be found in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and voluntary muscles. However it is mostly found in the liver. The Ferritin Test is important for checking the iron levels in the body. This test plays a key role in diagnosing conditions related to iron levels. Ferritin test is also known as serum ferritin blood test.
Profile Name: Ferritin Blood Test
Sample Type: Blood
Preparations Required: Fasting is not required for this test. However, it's best to follow any instructions given by your healthcare professional.
Report Time: 4 hours
Why do I need a ferritin test?
Iron is essential for producing healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to body tissues. Abnormal ferritin levels like too low or too high can signal various conditions. Those are:
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Having too low iron in the blood causes fewer red blood cells in the body.
Hemochromatosis: A condition when you have too much iron in your blood that is getting absorbed from the food you are eating. It is a genetic condition.
Liver diseases: High ferritin in your liver can lead to various liver diseases.
Restless legs syndrome: Tingling or burning feeling in your legs can be caused due to lack of iron in your blood.
Adult Still disease: A rare condition where joint pain, fever and rash are signs due to high ferritin levels in the blood.
Checking ferritin through a blood test helps identify and control these conditions. Doctors will use these test results to diagnose the conditions and may order some other tests to find an accurate diagnosis of the condition.
How do you prepare for the test?
Typically, no special preparation is required for a ferritin test. However, fasting might be needed in some cases. It is best to follow instructions given by your doctor to ensure accurate results. The time to ferritin test results is within 1 or 2 days and sometimes it may take more time.
What do the ferritin blood test results mean?
The normal range for blood ferritin is different for men and Women. For Men, the ferritin level is between 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). For Women, the ferritin level is between 12 to 150 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Abnormal ferritin levels can be indicated for various conditions based on levels.
Ferritin Blood Test High: levels may indicate conditions like hemochromatosis or inflammation. Additional tests are required to find the actual reason.
Ferritin Blood Test Low: levels could indicate iron deficiency, which may lead to anemia. The doctor may recommend supplementation or dietary changes.
A ferritin test is recommended for the assessment and diagnosis of symptoms like breathing difficulties, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, joint pains in the knees or hands, abdominal pain and change in skin color which may look gray, metallic or bronze.
Regular checking of ferritin levels helps maintain an average iron balance for complete health. Getting a ferritin test frequently may be costly. Considering that Sprint Diagnostics offers this ferritin blood test price at a discounted price making it an affordable option
Home Sample Collection Process
1
Book your convenient slot
2
Sample Collection by Phlebotomist
3
Reporting of the sample at lab
4
Download Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
When ferritin is very low in blood you can experience symptoms like weakness or fatigue, dizziness,
shortness of breath, slow heart rate or low rhythm of heartbeat etc.
The normal levels of ferritin are varied based on gender. Those are
For Men, between 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)
For Women, between 12 to 150 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)
No, fasting is not required for ferritin blood tests only. If you are giving samples to other tests you
may have to follow the instructions provided by your doctor.
Yes, Usually ferritin level for Men ranges from 12 to 300 ng/mL and for Women 12 to 150 ng/mL. So there
is a chance that your ferritin level is low. Always consult your doctor and confirm with them. They will
help you with diagnosis and treatment.
If your ferritin level is high, there is a high chance that you may suffer from one of the conditions
like Hemochromatosis, Adult Still disease. Your doctor will assess the results and may suggest some
other tests to find the root cause accurately.
