Iron in red blood cells is necessary for your body to transport oxygen to all of its cells. Your red blood cells won't be able to carry enough oxygen if you don't have enough iron. However, your body can't handle too much iron too. Both high and low iron levels may indicate a major underlying issue.
What Exactly is Ferritin?
The iron in your body and ferritin are not the same thing. Instead, iron is stored in a protein called ferritin, which is released when your body requires it. A small amount of ferritin actually circulates in your blood. Hepatocytes or liver cells, and the reticuloendothelial cells or cells of the immune system, often contain the highest levels of ferritin.
When it's time to produce new red blood cells, ferritin is stored in the body's cells. Cells will receive a signal from the body to release ferritin. Then, a protein known as transferrin attaches to the ferritin and delivers it to the site where fresh red blood cells are produced. Transferrin is usually considered a special iron taxi. Normal iron levels are vital, but having enough stored iron is also important. The body's iron reserves might quickly run out if a person doesn't have enough ferritin.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Ferritin Level?
If you have any of the following signs of low ferritin levels, your doctor may recommend a ferritin test:
- Unjustified drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Ringing in the ears
- Persistent headaches
- Irritability
- Leg pain
- Breathing difficulty
What Are the Causes of Low Ferritin Level?
Low ferritin levels can indicate an iron shortage, which is frequently caused by insufficient dietary iron intake particularly if you're a vegetarian or vegan. Other reasons for low ferritin levels include:
- Pregnancy
- Excessive bleeding during periods
- Excessive exercise
Why a Ferritin Test?
Your doctor may advise a ferritin test if he believes you have an iron deficit or an iron overload. Through a ferritin blood test, your healthcare provider will be able to get a general idea of your iron stores. Ferritin may be useful for-
- Evaluation of anaemia due to a lack of iron
- Diagnosis of any further persistent diseases, such as tumours or ulcers, that cause significant blood loss
- Estimating a high level of iron that can harm your heart, liver, pancreas, and joints
Your doctor might order additional tests in addition to ferritin, like CBC, serum iron levels, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin levels.
Preparation
If your blood sample is only being tested for ferritin, you don't need to fast overnight; you can drink and eat as usual before the test. However, if other tests are also indicated, overnight fasting may be required. It’s a good idea to consult the laboratory before scheduling the test.
Results
Blood ferritin levels should fall within the following range:
11 to 307 micrograms per litre for females
24 to 336 micrograms per litre for men
If your ferritin level is low, you can be iron deficient. Additionally, you can be anaemic due to a lack of iron. With this information, your doctor will collaborate with you to determine the cause.
What is the Cost of the Ferritin Test?
You can browse through google for ferritin test cost and compare the charges of different labs online. Agilus Diagnostics offers an affordable package for all your health checkups and provides with the best services you need.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
