Ferritin Blood Test

Ferritin is protein in blood that stores iron. Iron obtained from food on regular basis is incorporated in haemoglobin which helps in carrying oxygen. The excess iron is stored in the body in the protein called ferritin. Think of it as reserved iron, which body can utilize in case sufficient daily dose of iron is not obtained from diet.

Ferritin test will basically help identify low or high levels of stored iron in the body.

Why Ferritin test?

It will help your healthcare provider

• To assess iron deficiency anemia
• To establish any other chronic conditions that result in excessive blood loss like ulcers or tumors
• High levels of iron can also have deteriorating effects on health. It can damage joints, heart, liver, and pancreas.

In addition to Ferritin, your doctor may also ask you to other tests such as CBC, Serum iron level Total iron binding capacity (TIBC).

Who should undergo Ferritin Test?

If you exhibit any of the following symptoms of Low iron levels

• Previously diagnosed anemia
• Pale or yellow skin
• Extreme tiredness and dizziness
• Heavy menstrual cycles
• Bleeding in your digestive tract
• Blood in your stool
• Brittle nails or loss of hair
• Pounding or "whooshing" sound in your ears
• A sudden spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with activity
• Children who eat a lot of ice, and toddlers and babies who drink too much whole cow's milk may also get this test.
• To monitor treatment for iron deficiency.

 It is also critical to find out that you do not have excess amount of stored iron as well, because that too can lead to serious implications. Hence, Ferritin levels testing is also important if you have any of the following symptoms which are typically indicators of high iron levels

• Joint pain
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Restless leg syndrome (powerful urge to move legs. Person becomes uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. There is tingling or burning sensation in legs. It is very difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep)

Reference range for Ferritin test levels:

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history.

Requirement: 12 hours fasting is required. It is advisable to do this test in the morning.

More about Ferritin, Iron and its Importance in body

It is well known that Iron is crucial in making healthy Red Blood Cells, but iron is also required for functions of bone marrow, muscles, heart and other organs.

Low levels of ferritin lead to iron-deficiency anemia. This means you have too few red blood cells. Iron deficiency can come from a poor diet or blood loss. Women typically have lower levels of iron due to monthly blood loss that happens in menstruation. Low iron level is the most common nutritional deficiency in children. Children need extra iron during times of rapid growth.

In adults, low iron levels usually happen because of long-term (chronic) blood loss. If you have ulcers or tumor in your gut, intestinal bleeding, or very heavy menstrual periods, you could lose more iron than you take in and develop an iron deficiency. It is common in pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers.

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a major public health concern in India.

Interpretation

Low Ferritin Blood Levels

If results are lower than normal, it indicates iron deficiency and anemia. In such case, your doctor will prescribe iron supplements or order more blood tests to figure out the cause.

Causes of High Ferritin Blood Levels

If your results are higher than normal, it indicates that your body is storing too much iron. In this case your doctor will make alterations in your diet and medications if any. High iron storage may also indicate other medical issues such as arthritis, thyroid problems, liver disease, alcohol abuse, etc. Your doctor may ask for additional laboratory tests to confirm the same.