FERRITIN

The Ferritin test measures how much ferritin (iron storage protein) is in your bloodstream. Most iron in the body is stored in ferritin inside cells; only a small portion circulates in the blood. Measuring this circulating ferritin gives a good estimate of your total iron stores.

Ferritin is vital in detecting iron deficiency (which leads to anaemia) and iron overload (which can damage organs). The test is part of an "iron studies" panel that may include serum iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation.

Ferritin can also rise due to inflammation, so results must be interpreted in context.

The test measures ferritin concentration in your blood. Because ferritin reflects iron stores, low levels suggest iron deficiency, while high levels suggest iron overload or inflammation.

Ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, meaning levels rise in response to illness or stress. Doctors at Cadabam’s Diagnostics consider medical history and other tests to ensure accurate interpretation.

Recommended when there are:

• Symptoms of Iron Deficiency: Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath
• Symptoms of Iron Overload: Joint pain, weight loss, liver issues, fatigue
• Ongoing Iron Therapy: To monitor treatment
• Screening for Hemochromatosis: Especially if there's a family history
• General Health Checks/Anaemia Investigation: To identify cause of anaemia

Risks

Standard blood draw risks:

• Mild pain or bruising
• Light-headedness
• Rarely, infection at puncture site

Limitations

• False Elevation from Inflammation: Can be elevated even if iron levels are normal
• Medication or Transfusion Effects: Iron supplements or transfusions can alter results
• Must Be Interpreted with Other Tests: Not a standalone diagnostic tool

• Ferritin Concentration: Reported in ng/mL or µg/L (equivalent units)

Often evaluated with:

• Serum Iron
• TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)
• Transferrin Saturation

• Individuals with Symptoms: Related to low or high iron
• Chronic Illness Patients: Especially liver, kidney, or inflammatory conditions
• Those with Family History of Hemochromatosis
• Patients Taking Iron Supplements
• Vegetarians/Vegans: May have lower iron stores
• Patients with Anaemia: Unexplained by routine blood count

• Early Iron Deficiency Detection
• Diagnosis of Iron Overload Conditions
• Helps Classify Type of Anaemia
• Guides Iron Therapy and Monitoring
• Tracks Treatment Effectiveness

• Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores
• Hemochromatosis: High ferritin, especially with high transferrin saturation
• Anaemia of Chronic Disease: Ferritin may appear normal or high despite low iron availability
• Restless Legs Syndrome: Low ferritin may contribute to symptoms
• Liver Disease: High ferritin due to liver damage

• Fasting: Usually not required unless part of a broader panel
• Instructions: Stay hydrated; inform doctor of recent supplements or transfusions
• Eligibility: Safe for all ages
• Procedure: Blood draw from arm by trained staff