What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is the intracellular protein present in tissues of the body and plays an important role in storage of the intracellular iron
The Ferritin is produced by liver and is stored in cells throughout the body, including following organs of the
- Liver
- Spleen
- Bone Marrow
- Muscle Tissue
This is then released as per body requirements into the blood.
Other Name: Ferritin Blood Test
Key Facts about Serum Ferritin
- Ferritin Significance: the Ferritin stores iron and releases it when body would further needs. While, the Iron is the mineral found in RBC red blood cells that would carries oxygen in the body.
- Fasting Ferritin: The fasting significantly decreases/lowers the iron concentrations in the serum and hair, along with the hemoglobin, the Hematocrit, the red blood cells, and the total iron binding capacity (TIBC)
- Good Ferritin Food: To enhance the ferritin levels legume seeds (the soybean, the chick peas, the lentils, the lupine) are a good choice of food.
What is the use of Ferritin?
Ferritin has a crucial role in the body's oxygen transport (as Iron being a component of the hemoglobin)
It carries the oxygen to your body's tissues. Low levels could lead to Iron Deficiency Anemia, when insufficient red blood cells (RBC’s) to deliver the oxygen to body's tissues.
What is the purpose of Serum Ferritin Test?
Amount of ferritin in blood or the serum ferritin level is related to amount of iron stored in one’s body.
The healthcare professional would recommend this test if signs or symptoms of anemia are seen.
Why do you need a Serum Ferritin Test?
Reasons to get Serum Ferritin Test are as follows:
- Low Hemoglobin Or Hematocrit Level
- Underweight Individuals
- Women With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Pregnant Women
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Liver Conditions
- Individuals with Food Absorption issues
- Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Patients undergone Gastrointestinal Surgical Procedures
What are the symptoms of abnormal levels of Ferritin?
Low Levels of Serum Ferritin- Indicative of Iron Deficiency Anemia
The symptoms that include low levels of Serum Ferritin are as follows:
- Pale Skin
- Fatigue
- Shortness Of Breath (Dyspnea)
- Dizziness
- Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia)
- Weakness
High Levels or Elevated Serum Ferritin - Indicative of Hemochromatosis, Iron Load
The symptoms that include high levels of Serum Ferritin are as follows:
- Painful Joints
- Lack Of Sex Drive
- Sudden Weight Loss
- Heart Problems
- Abdominal Pain
- Loss Of Hair (Body)
- Fatigue
What is the Difference between Serum Iron and Ferritin?
- The serum iron is used to measure iron levels in the serum; that means iron that is completely bound to the transferrin.
- While the transferrin – measures the levels of the iron carrier.
- The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) - measures transferrin capacity to the bind iron.
- Serum ferritin - measures body's ability to store the iron.
Guidelines to follow before, during and after the Serum Ferritin Test
Here are some guidelines an individual can refer to once they have decided to undergo Serum Ferritin Test
The required documents needed for this test includes your valid government ID and an appropriate Doctor’s prescription.
A. Before the test
- Nothing Specific to prepare for Serum Ferritin Test in advance.
- Usually, Fasting is required (about 12 hours) before the test.
- Consumption of water is permissible during the fasting period.
B. During the Test
- During the blood test, the doctor would take the blood sample from the vein in your arm, using the small needle.
- Then, a small amount of blood would be drawn and collected into the corresponding test tube or the vial.
- You might feel a little sting when the needle pricks or while it is being removed. This would usually take less than even five minutes.
C. After the Test
There would be slight tenderness at the injection site without any major concern. This patient is expected to get back to their daily life immediately.
What should be the normal range of Serum Ferritin Level?
- Females at birth: 14.7 to 205.1 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)
- Males at birth: 30.3 to 565.7 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL.)
What Causes for Low and High Levels (Hyperferritinaemia) of Serum Ferritin?
Result Interpretation
The Ferritin is important marker of the inflammation in body, ferritin levels could be higher than normal – if an inflammation, or an underlying infection is present.
Causes of High/ Elevated Levels of Serum Ferritin
- Alcohol Use Disorder
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Hyperthyroidism
- Still’s Disease ( Adult Onset)
- Liver Disease
- Spleen Damage
Causes of Lower Levels of Serum Ferritin
- The Iron deficiency anemia
- Blood Loss from GIT Bleeding
- Improper Iron from Food Absorption
Additional Tests that may be required for further assessment of Iron in your body (In Iron Profile) are as follows:
- Serum Iron
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
- Transferrin Saturation
Apart from this tests conducted to assess Ferritin level are:
- Hemoglobin test: To assess the Hb level of the person
- Complete blood count (CBC) : To assess the RBC count of the person
Serum Ferritin Levels in Pregnancy
In Pregnancy, the Levels below the 15 μg/l are further diagnostic of a recognized iron deficiency. A level of being below 30 μg/l in pregnancy should have prompt treatment
Significance of Ferritin Test for the following Conditions
- COVID
- Kidney Conditions
- Cirrhosis
Ferritin Test in COVID
Mediator of the cytokine storm, causes extreme immune dysregulation associated with the fatal outcomes
Other inflammatory markers like the ESR, the CRP, the D-dimer and the IL-10 are checked along with it.
High Ferritin levels may show correlation with severe COVID
Ferritin Test for Kidney Conditions
In individuals with chronic kidney disease with serum ferritin is the less robust marker of the Bioavailable iron.
Although the most patients on your maintenance on haemodialysis with serum ferritin >500 ng/ml
This proposes serum ferritin level of about 800 ng/ml as the upper limit for (IV) Intravenous Iron Therapy.
Ferritin Test for Cirrhosis
The Serum ferritin can predict risk of the cirrhosis, in individuals with Hemochromatosis. Risk is low for the patients with the serum ferritin levels which are less than 1000 micrograms/liter.
Treatment and Management
How can you lower high ferritin levels?
- Identify the Underlying Cause
- Treat iron overload disorder (primary Hemochromatosis with the Phlebotomy)
- Regular treatment to remove the iron-rich blood patient’s body.
How can you increase the low ferritin levels?
In case of low ferritin or the iron levels, the doctors would assess severity of the deficiency and understand the root cause.
Example- If it is due to GIT bleeding, healthcare professional would address this issue.
Promote better dietary choices. Some of them are as follows:
- Eggs
- Oysters
- Red Meat ( Lean)
- Lentils, Beans, Tofu
- Fortified Breakfast Cereals
- Dark Leafy Greens ( Broccoli, Kale etc)
- Raisins
For Free Consultation from the Doctor
Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
Available: 24*7*365
Phone Number: +919212125996
Why Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre should be your preference to screen you for Serum Ferritin?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic Centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price and Free Home Sample Collection Facility.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Tests Conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic are as follows:
- Iron Profile
- Iron Studies, Comprehensive
- GDIC Iron Study-2 Package
- Iron Blood Test at Home
- Iron Deficiency and Other Hypoproliferative Anemias
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Hemoglobin
- Complete Haemogram
Cost of Serum Ferritin Test in Delhi
The Serum Ferritin Test cost varies by region and facility. So constantly get tested at trustworthy diagnostic centers like Ganesh Diagnostic. It is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to assure patient and visitor safety.
The average price for this Test is seen to differ from one center to another.
The report of this test would be received on the same day as the post collection of the required Sample.
FAQs on Serum Ferritin Test
What affects serum ferritin?
The higher than ferritin level might be due to: Liver disease which develops due to alcohol abuse. Furthermore, due to Rheumatoid arthritis. This could also be due to frequent transfusion of the red blood cells.
Why is ferritin so important?
Ferritin, the storage protein, considered to be the primary iron storage and its mechanism that will be critical to iron homeostasis. The Ferritin makes iron available for any critical cellular processes also by protecting the lipids, the DNA, and the proteins from potentially the toxic effects of iron.
When should serum ferritin be done?
If doctor would suspects that you have too much or even too little iron in the body, the doctor would suggest the ferritin test. This test detects Iron deficiency anemia. Furthermore, Hemochromatosis for higher amount - condition that will cause the body to absorb high amounts of iron from the food consumed.
What is a bad level of ferritin?
The Low ferritin level: The ferritin levels such as < 30 ng/mL; the normal ferritin: 30–200 ng/mL in the women and amount of 30–300 ng/mL in men; and the high ferritin: >200 ng/mL in the women and values >300 ng/mL in men.
How accurate is a ferritin blood test?
In the general adult population, the 3 studies reported sensitivities of the 63% to about 100% at optimum cutoff for the ferritin, with corresponding specificities of about 92% to 98%, but ferritin cutoffs will be varied between different studies. Another study in the healthy children has reported a sensitivity of around 74% and specificity of about 77%.
