What it is: A ferritin test measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside cells, in the blood as an indicator of the body's iron reserves.
Why it's ordered: Ordered to help diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload, evaluate unexplained fatigue or anemia, or monitor known iron-related conditions.
What it detects: Ferritin is generally a better marker of stored iron than serum iron alone. Low ferritin points to depleted iron stores, often before anemia becomes apparent; high ferritin can reflect iron overload or, since ferritin also rises with inflammation, an unrelated inflammatory condition.
Collection & prep: A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm. No special preparation is typically required.
Results:
Low – suggests iron deficiency; below roughly 10–30 ng/mL depending on the lab and clinical context
High – can reflect iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis) or inflammation unrelated to iron status
Possible complications of an iron imbalance: Untreated iron deficiency can cause fatigue, weakened immunity, and difficulty concentrating, while iron overload can damage the liver, heart, and other organs over time if not managed.
What it is: A ferritin test measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside cells, in the blood as an indicator of the body's iron reserves.
Why it's ordered: Ordered to help diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload, evaluate unexplained fatigue or anemia, or monitor known iron-related conditions.
What it detects: Ferritin is generally a better marker of stored iron than serum iron alone. Low ferritin points to depleted iron stores, often before anemia becomes apparent; high ferritin can reflect iron overload or, since ferritin also rises with inflammation, an unrelated inflammatory condition.
Collection & prep: A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm. No special preparation is typically required.
Results:
Low – suggests iron deficiency; below roughly 10–30 ng/mL depending on the lab and clinical context
High – can reflect iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis) or inflammation unrelated to iron status
Possible complications of an iron imbalance: Untreated iron deficiency can cause fatigue, weakened immunity, and difficulty concentrating, while iron overload can damage the liver, heart, and other organs over time if not managed.
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
