A ferritin blood test checks the amount of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein, Opens dialog in the body that binds to iron; most of the iron stored in the body is bound to ferritin. Ferritin is found in the liver, Opens dialog, spleen, Opens dialog, skeletal muscles, and bone marrow. Only a small amount of ferritin is found in the blood. The amount of ferritin in the blood shows how much iron is stored in your body.
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Normal
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
High values
Very high ferritin levels can mean a large buildup of iron in the body (hemochromatosis, Opens dialog). One form of this condition is passed on in families (genetic hemochromatosis). Some diseases, including alcohol use disorder, Opens dialog, thalassemia, Opens dialog, and some types of anemia, Opens dialog that cause red blood cells to be destroyed, can also cause hemochromatosis. Also, if you have many blood transfusions, this can sometimes cause the body to store too much iron (acquired hemochromatosis).
Too much iron in body organs, such as the pancreas or heart, can affect how the organ works.
Low values
Low ferritin levels often mean an iron deficiency is present. This can be caused by long-term (chronic) blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, not enough iron in the diet, or bleeding inside the intestinal tract (from ulcers, Opens dialog, colon polyps, Opens dialog, colon cancer, Opens dialog, hemorrhoids, Opens dialog, or other conditions). In rare cases, too much iron may be lost through the skin (because of a disease such as psoriasis, Opens dialog) or in the urine.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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