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Ferritin Test

Dr. NikitLast Updated on 25th November 2021

Ferritin is a protein found in your blood that stores iron. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin which carries oxygen. When you consume food rich in iron, some of it is stored in Ferritin. But when you aren't getting enough iron from food, your body uses the iron stored in the Ferritin to make hemoglobin to carry oxygen. It's very similar to how your body uses fat as an energy source when you are starving.

What is the Ferritin Test used for?What is included in a Ferritin Test?Ferritin Test Procedure How to prepare for the Ferritin Test?What types of infections/ diseases can a Ferritin Test detect?How much risk is involved?Is the Ferritin Test a definitive test?What affects the Ferritin Test results?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Ferritin Test used for?

Doctors prescribe a Ferritin test to check for abnormalities in your blood iron levels or hemoglobin levels.

Higher levels of iron or serum ferritin in your body may suggest

Alcohol abuse
Inflammation or certain infections
Liver disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hyperthyroidism
Certain cancers
Genetic disorder like Hemochromatosis
Adult onset Still’s disease

Lower levels of iron or serum ferritin in your body may suggest

Anaemia
Diseases that affect iron absorption like celiac disease
Blood loss as in stomach ulcers, cancers of the intestine, heavy menstrual periods
Restless leg syndrome
Still’s disease etc.

If you feel dizzy, weak, exhausted, look pale, or when you have a rapid heartbeat, your doctor will prescribe a Ferritin test to check for iron deficiency, anaemia or to check for abnormalities in your liver and thyroid levels.

Book Ferritin Test through MFine!

What is included in a Ferritin Test?

A Ferritin blood test checks for abnormalities in ferritin serum levels and is measured in micrograms per litre (mcg/L).

The normal ferritin serum levels are as follows:

Men – 18 – 160 mcg/L
Children (6 months – 15 years) – 7 – 140 mcg/L
Babies (1 month – 5 months) – 50 – 200 mcg/L
Newborns – 25 – 200 mcg/L

Sample required for the test

A Ferritin test checks for abnormalities in your ferritin blood serum levels. In this test, the phlebotomist will collect your blood sample. A Ferritin blood test should take only a few minutes.

Ferritin Test Procedure

The Ferritin test checks the levels of a protein called Ferritin in your blood.

The Ferritin test does not require an overnight fast.
During the blood test, a phlebotomist will insert a needle into your vein to collect blood. Your blood sample will be collected in a vial or test tube and sent to the lab for further analysis. Like any blood test, you may feel a sting when the needle is injected into your arm, but the pain goes away almost immediately.
A certified Lab Technician (LT) will analyze your blood sample using state of the art technology.

Your blood report will be updated on the MFine app within the next 48 hours after blood sample collection.

How to prepare for the Ferritin Test?

Before the Test

During the Test

A Ferritin test does not require an overnight fast; you can eat and drink as usual. Consider wearing a half sleeve shirt or t-shirt so the lab technician can easily access your arm.

However, if you are also prescribed additional blood tests that require an overnight fast, you may have to fast for 8 – 12 hours. Consult with your doctor beforehand

The lab technician will sanitize your arm to draw the blood sample. When the needle is injected, you may feel a slight sting, but the pain goes away almost immediately.

Things to consider after the Ferritin Test is completed

After you receive the Ferritin blood serum test report, consult with your doctor, who’d be able to recommend the best treatment for you. Do not self diagnose your health condition.

What types of infections/ diseases can a Ferritin Test detect?

Higher levels of Serum Ferritin in your body point to

Hemolysis
porphyrias
Repeated Blood transfusions
Alcohol abuse
Liver disease
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hyperthyroidism
Certain cancers

Lower levels of iron in your body point to

Iron deficiency
Restless leg syndrome
Still’s disease etc.

Consult with your doctor to help diagnose your health condition. Do not self medicate.

How much risk is involved?

A Ferritin blood test is considered safe. You may feel the following:

Slight pain or sting when the needle is injected
Faint or lightheaded
An occasional bruise where the needle is injected.

How long does it take to get the Ferritin Test results?

Your blood report will be updated on the MFine app within the next 48 hours after blood sample collection.

Is the Ferritin Test a definitive test?

The Ferritin Test is not definitive. It only helps in understanding the levels of iron stores in your blood. Based on your blood report, your doctor will prescribe additional tests to help diagnose your health condition.

How to read the Ferritin Test report?

A Ferritin blood test checks for abnormalities in ferritin serum levels and is measured in micrograms per litre (mcg/L).

The normal ferritin serum levels are as follows:

Men – 18 – 270 mcg/L
Women-18-160 mcg/L
Children (6 months – 15 years) – 7 – 140 mcg/L
Babies (1 month – 5 months) – 50 – 200 mcg/L
Newborns – 25 – 200 mcg/L

What affects the Ferritin Test results?

Alcohol consumption may affect your Ferritin test results. Consult with your doctor beforehand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can we conduct a Ferritin Test at home?

Yes, a Ferritin test can be conducted from the comfort of your home. You can book an at-home Ferritin test through MFine app or web. Choose your preferred lab partner from you city and avail sample collection at home.

Can I drink water before the Ferritin blood test?

You can eat and drink as usual before a Ferritin blood test.

Does the serum Ferritin test require fasting?

A Ferritin test does not require an overnight fast; you can eat and drink as usual.

When should I take a Ferritin test?

Your doctor will prescribe you a Ferritin test if you show symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia such as chronic fatigue, weakness, dizziness etc.

How long does it take to raise the Ferritin levels?

Typically, Ferritin levels do not rise until haemoglobin levels are normal. Consult with your doctor to help you raise Ferritin levels.

What happens to Ferritin levels in persons infected with Covid?

According to a study conducted by PAHO on Ferritin levels and Covid – 19, it was found that individuals with severe Covid infection also had high Ferritin levels.

What cancers cause high Ferritin levels?

Breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular or liver carcinoma, colorectal cancer, leukaemia and lymphoma cause high Ferritin levels.

What infections cause high Ferritin levels?

Ferritin levels in the body rise typically with an increase in inflammation. Following diseases cause high Ferritin levels:

Pneumonia,
Viral hepatitis C
Covid infections
Sepsis or disseminated infection

Does exercise lower Ferritin levels?

Moderate exercise, in the long run, can help lower Ferritin levels.

What autoimmune disease causes high Ferritin?

Rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune associated hemophagocytic syndrome
Grave’s disease or Thyroiditis
Multiple sclerosis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis

Can fatty liver cause high ferritin levels?

Serum ferritin levels are commonly elevated in fatty liver. A fatty liver condition is an inflammation of the liver. Ferritin levels in the body rise typically with an increase in inflammation.