Test library
Ferritin Iron Storage Test
Ferritin Testing measures the protein that stores iron in the body. A ferritin level helps a healthcare provider evaluate whether iron stores are low, normal, or high, and it is often ordered with other iron tests.
Order Ferritin Testing Labs - Determine Low or High Iron Levels
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Order Ferritin Testing Labs - Determine Low or High Iron Levels- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $29
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
Ferritin Testing measures ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside cells and reflects the body's iron reserves. It is commonly ordered when a provider wants to check for iron deficiency or iron overload. The test uses a single blood draw, and results describe stored iron rather than the iron currently circulating in the blood.
What this test measures
Iron is essential for making red blood cells and for many cellular functions. Because free iron is reactive, the body stores most of it inside ferritin, a protein found mainly in the liver and immune cells. The amount of ferritin in the blood generally tracks the size of those iron stores.
A low ferritin level suggests depleted iron stores and is a common clue in the evaluation of iron deficiency, including when it occurs before anemia develops. A high ferritin level can reflect iron overload, but it can also rise with inflammation, infection, liver conditions, and other factors, so it is interpreted carefully.
Providers often order ferritin together with other tests, such as a complete blood count, serum iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation, to build a fuller picture. The result alone does not diagnose a condition, and a qualified healthcare provider decides what further evaluation is appropriate.
- Ferritin
- Serum iron
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
- Transferrin saturation
- Complete blood count (when included)
- Hemoglobin
- C-reactive protein (when inflammation is assessed)
- Soluble transferrin receptor (when included)
Why people order this test
- Evaluate low iron stores before anemia develops
- Investigate persistent fatigue or pale skin
- Check iron status in people with heavy menstrual bleeding
- Assess possible iron overload with a provider
- Monitor iron stores during ongoing care
- Follow up on an abnormal hemoglobin or red cell result
How to prepare
No fasting is usually required for ferritin, though some laboratories prefer a morning sample. Follow the instructions provided with the order. A blood sample is collected from a vein.
Understanding your results
Results are generally available within one to three business days. The report gives the ferritin level with its reference range. Low values suggest depleted iron stores, while high values can have several causes, so a healthcare provider interprets the result in context.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does ferritin measure?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Its level in the blood generally reflects how much iron the body has in reserve.
Is ferritin the same as iron?
No. Serum iron measures iron circulating in the blood at a point in time, while ferritin reflects stored iron. They are often ordered together.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting is usually not required for ferritin, but follow the specific instructions with your order, since bundled tests may require it.
Can ferritin be high without iron overload?
Yes. Inflammation, infection, and liver conditions can raise ferritin without true iron overload, which is why it is interpreted with other tests.
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