In this article, we will discuss about the ferritin tests, its ranges, and the questions related to the ferritin test.
A ferritin test is a type of blood assessment that measures the amount of ferritin in the human body. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron for the long term when the usual iron supply gets low during fewer intakes of iron-rich meals. These tests also help in determining the exact healthy amount of Iron in your body and provide information on conditions that are not related to iron levels.
There is no such preparation to do for the test, like fasting, etc. A certain amount of venous blood will be withdrawn for the test from the patient.
Test Related to Ferritin
In case of a low or high ferritin level test result, additional blood tests should be prescribed to compare the result. The common test includes:
- Serum Iron
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
- Transferrin Saturation
Are Iron and Ferritin the Same?
Both ferritin and iron are different components. Iron is a mineral you receive from food while ferritin is a blood protein that stores iron in the human body.
What is the Normal Range of Ferritin?
The normal range of ferritin levels in the human body can vary depending on factors, such as age, weight, and disease. The considered normal range can be:
|
Age Group |
Normal Range (ng/mL) |
|
Adult Males |
24-336 |
|
Adult Females |
24-307 |
|
Newborns |
25-200 |
|
1 Month Old |
200-600 |
|
2-5 Months Old |
50-200 |
|
6 Months-15 Years |
7-142 |
What is the Low level of Ferritin?
The low level of ferritin indicates iron deficiency anemia which means low red blood cells or vice-versa.
Reason for Low Ferritin
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: This condition can cause low ferritin because of less production of red blood cells which leads to iron deficiency.
- Blood Loss: Major blood loss can lead to iron deficiency, commonly if it’s from the GIT. This can be caused by ulcers, tumors, heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy, surgery, and donating blood.
- Poor Diet: It also can influence the level of ferritin because food is a major source of iron. Malabsorption of iron is also a factor of low ferritin.
- Medications: Regular medication can cause low levels of ferritin, like chemotherapy can kill healthy red blood cells.
Symptoms of Low Ferritin Levels
Low ferritin levels can cause various abnormalities that can lead to some symptoms, including:
- Pale or yellow Skin
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Fast Heartbeat or palpitations
- Hair loss
- Headache
What is the High level of Ferritin?
A high level of ferritin is generally considered to be above 200 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for women and 300ng/mL for men. A High level of ferritin indicates that the person has hemochromatosis (a genetic condition in which your body stores too much iron).
The normal range of ferritin levels in the human body can vary depending on factors, such as age, weight, and disease. The considered normal range can be:
Reason for High Ferritin
Here are some reasons that can cause high levels of ferritin are described below:
- Alcohol addiction
- Diabetes or Autoimmune disease
- Cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.
- Obesity
- Hyperthyroidism
- Liver abnormalities.
- Obesity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ferritin test?
It is a type of blood test to determine the amount of ferritin in the human body.
Where ferritin is stored?
Generally, ferritin is stored in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, skeleton muscles, Hair follicles, and duodenum.
Can ferritin levels be lowered?
Yes, ferritin levels can be lowered in some specific nutritional deficiency.
How ferritin test is done?
A certain amount of blood should be collected from the body by healthcare professionals. There is no such special preparation for this test.
Can ferritin levels fluctuate?
Yes, the level of ferritin level fluctuates due to some factors such as diet, blood loss, and other chronic illnesses.
