Ferritin Blood Test

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Iron is an essential mineral that is needed to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Ferritin helps to regulate the amount of iron in the body and to make sure that enough iron is available for the production of hemoglobin.

A ferritin blood test measures the amount of ferritin in the blood and provides an indirect measure of the body’s iron stores. A low ferritin level can indicate iron-deficiency anemia, which is a common form of anemia that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce enough hemoglobin. A high ferritin level can indicate other conditions such as hemochromatosis (a genetic condition where too much iron is absorbed and stored in the body) or inflammation.

A healthcare provider can interpret the results of a ferritin blood test and make recommendations for treatment or lifestyle changes as needed. It is important to keep in mind that the results of a ferritin test can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, overall health, and recent iron intake.

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Ferritin

A ferritin blood test measures the level of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells. You need iron to make healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organs, including brain development in children.

Too little or too much iron in your body can cause serious health problems if not treated. A ferritin blood test can show how much iron you have stored in your body.

Other names: serum ferritin, serum ferritin level, ferritin serum

You may need this test if you have symptoms of iron levels that are too low or too high.

Symptoms of iron levels that are too low include:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Weakness or fatigue
3. Dizziness
4. Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)

Symptoms of iron levels that are too high can vary and tend to get worse over time. Symptoms may include:

1. Weakness or fatigue
2. Joint pain, commonly in the knees or hands
3. Loss of interest in sex or erectile dysfunction (ED)
4. Abdominal (belly) pain
5. Change in skin color, which may look gray, metallic, or bronze

You may also need this test if the results of other blood tests show that you have low hematocrit or hemoglobin levels.

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Your health care provider may ask you to fast (not eat or drink) for 12 hours before your test. The test is usually done in the morning. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your test, talk to your health care provider.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Lower than normal ferritin levels may mean you have iron deficiency anemia, or another condition related to low iron levels. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia, in which your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. Without treatment it can lead to heart problems, infections, slow growth and brain development in children, and other health issues.

Higher than normal ferritin levels can mean you have too much iron in your body. Conditions that cause increased iron levels include:

• Liver disease
• Alcohol use disorder
• Hemochromatosis
• Hyperthyroidism

If your ferritin results are not normal, it does not always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Certain medicines can decrease or increase your ferritin levels. If you have questions about your results, talk with your health care provider.

SST tube of blood, serum

5 to 24 hours

Price: $79