A ferritin blood test determines the concentration of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein which is found in the cells that store iron. Iron is required for the production of healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the various parts of the body. Iron is also necessary for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organs, including infant brain development.
Having too little iron or too much iron in the body can lead to major health concerns. A ferritin blood test can reveal how much iron your body has stored.
Other names: Other names for this test are serum ferritin, serum ferritin level, and ferritin serum.
What is the use of the Ferritin Blood Test?
A ferritin blood test can help you determine your iron levels. It can help your doctor determine if your body is storing enough iron to keep you healthy.
The ferritin blood test can also be used to:
Assist in the diagnosis of iron-related disorders such as:
Hemochromatosis: It is characterized by an excess of iron in the body (also called iron overload).
Iron deficiency anemia: It is defined as having too low red blood cells due to a lack of iron.
Adult Still disease (also known as adult-onset Still disease or AOSD): It is a rare condition that produces joint discomfort,fever,rash, and elevated ferritin levels.
Monitor chronic (long-term) disorders that may alter your iron levels, such as cancer, renal disease, and autoimmune diseases.
If treatment for iron deficiency is going on, this test may be performed to determine how effectively the treatment is working.
What is the need for a ferritin blood test?
This test may be required if you exhibit symptoms of iron deficiency or excess of it.
You may also require this test if other blood tests reveal that you have low hematocrit or hemoglobin levels.
What happens during a ferritin blood test?
A tiny needle will be inserted by a healthcare expert in order to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Following the insertion of the needle, a little quantity of blood will be collected in a test tube. One may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out. This normally takes five minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
Your doctor may instruct you to fast or not eat and drink anything for 12 hours before your test. The exam is often administered in the morning. If you have concerns about preparing for your test, speak with your doctor.
Is there any risk in the test?
Having a blood test poses no risk or danger. You may experience some discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but it vanishes soon.
What do the findings imply?
Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency anemia or another illness related to low iron levels. A common kind of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when your body does not produce enough red blood cells. It can cause heart difficulties, infections, delayed growth and cognitive development in children, and other health concerns if not treated.
Higher-than-normal ferritin levels may indicate an excess of iron in your body. Among the conditions that generate elevated iron levels are:
Liver disease
Alcohol use disorder
Hemochromatosis
Hyperthyroidism
If your ferritin levels are abnormal, it may not always indicate that you have a medical issue that requires treatment. Certain medications can either lower or raise your ferritin levels. If you have any concerns about your results, speak with your doctor.
Important information to know about a ferritin blood test?
Most iron deficiency diseases can be effectively addressed with medications, nutrition, and other therapy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Ferritin Test?
A ferritin test determines the level of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is an
iron-containing blood protein. A ferritin test tells your doctor how much iron your body has stored.
2. What are normal Ferritin levels?
In males, the normal ferritin levels are 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL),
whereas, in females, the normal ferritin levels are 12 to 150 ng/mL.
3. What are the symptoms of high Ferritin levels?
Symptoms of having too much ferritin are:
Painful joints.
Heart issues.
Unexplained weight loss.
Abdominal pain.
Loss of body hair.
Lack of sex drive.
Fatigue or loss of energy.
4. What are the symptoms of low Ferritin?
Symptoms of low ferritin are:
Extreme fatigue.
Weakness.
Pale skin.
Chest pain
Fast heartbeat or shortness of breath.
Headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Cold hands and feet.
Inflammation or soreness of your tongue.
Brittle nails.
5. What disorders result in low Ferritin levels?
Hypoferritinemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet, or by impaired gastrointestinal
absorption following bariatric surgery. Other disorders that result in low ferritin levels are crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, peptic ulcer, menorrhagia, and
hematuria.
6. Who treats high Ferritin levels?
A Hematologist treats high ferritin levels. (A Hematologist is a blood disease specialist).
If you are looking for the best hematologist, then visit Medicover hospitals. It has the top
hematologist.
7. What is the Ferritin Test cost?
The cost of the ferritin test is Rs. 850. The cost can depend on various factors like place,
city, hospital, etc.
8. Is the Ferritin Test performed on an empty stomach?
The test is often done in the morning on an empty stomach. You may be given instructions by
your doctor to fast for at least 12 hours before the test. The ferritin test is performed in the same
manner as any other regular blood test, with a sample extracted from a vein in the arm and placed in a
vial.
9. When should I be concerned about my Ferritin levels?
Serum ferritin levels of more than 200 ng/mL in women and greater than 300 ng/mL in males
are considered abnormal; consult the doctor.
10. Where can I get the Ferritin Test in Hyderabad?
To get tested for ferritin in Hyderabad, visit Medicover Hospitals.
