Ferritin Test
Ferritin
Iron is a nutrient essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and for the transport of oxygen throughout the body. Iron is stored in the protein ferritin. Small amounts of ferritin are released from cells, and they circulate in the blood when the body needs iron.
A ferritin test is used to determine the amount of ferritin present in the blood. When the body contains too little or too much iron, it could indicate a serious medical condition. If you exhibit symptoms of anemia (lack of iron) or polycythemia (iron overload) or if a complete blood count (CBC) test report reveals low levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit, doctors will order a ferritin test along with other iron tests to determine the levels of iron in your body. Thus, early detection and treatment of iron deficiency or overload using a ferritin test can prevent serious health conditions.
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This test is also known as Iron deficiency anemia - ferritin, serum ferritin level
Symptoms of low iron levels
Pale skin
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Symptoms of high iron levels
Joint pain
Stomach pain
Low energy
Weight loss
What is ferritin test used for?
A ferritin test is ordered for diagnostic purposes if you have abnormal levels of iron caused by:
Having low levels of iron (anaemia)
Having high levels of iron (hemochromatosis) This is a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the bodyHaving high levels of iron (hemochromatosis) This is a rare genetic disorder that causes too much iron to build up in the body
Who should get tested? Ferritin test is ordered for screening purposes in individuals:
To see if treatments for iron deficiency (low iron levels) or excess iron (high iron levels) are working
Who are underweight
Having heavy menstrual bleeding
Who are pregnant
Who have issues with food absorption (inflammatory bowel disease)
Test preparation:
Ferritin test alone does not require any special preparation, but a ferritin test is usually ordered along with an iron studies test, which may require fasting for up to 12 hours before the test. Only drinking water during this time is recommended.
Interpretation of results
Parameters |
Normal ferritin test values in adults |
Male |
12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) |
Female |
12 to 150 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) |
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Normal value ranges may slightly differ among different laboratories and some labs use different measurements.
Higher than normal ferritin level may be a sign of:
·      Excess iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
·      Liver disease (alcohol abuse)
·      An autoimmune disorder (rheumatoid arthritis)
·      Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
·      Frequent red blood cell transfusions
Lower than normal ferritin level may be a sign of:
·      Bleeding in the digestive tract
·      Heavy menstrual bleeding
·      Intestinal conditions causing poor absorption of iron
·      Iron deficiency in diet
FAQs
How is the sample collected during a ferritin test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the results of a ferritin test?
You will usually get the reports within the same day after the collection of the blood sample. At times, it could take longer
What are the risks involved in a ferritin test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle went in. Rarely, the site can become infected
hould I be concerned if my ferritin test level is abnormal?
If your ferritin test results reveal that you have high or low levels of ferritin, it might be because of a medical condition. Other factors, like diet and inflammatory health conditions, can also influence your ferritin levels. If you have an abnormal result, consult your healthcare provider, who may order additional tests to determine the cause of your abnormal ferritin levels
What conditions can cause higher ferritin levels?
Several conditions, including excessive intake of iron supplements, multiple blood transfusions, alcohol abuse, hemochromatosis, porphyria, rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory disorders, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma, can produce higher than normal ferritin levels. On the basis of your symptoms and the results of your physical examination, additional testing may be necessary to diagnose these conditions.
Related tests
Hemoglobin (Hb)
₹ 110-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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Red blood cells contain the proteinhemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and return transport of carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs. The levels of Hb are estimated by this test which is prescribed if an individual has symptoms of anemia such as dizziness, weakness, cold hands and feet, a family history of thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or other inherited blood disorder, or excessive blood loss because of injury or surgical procedure.
Packed Cell Volume (PCV) / Hematocrit
₹ 160-
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1 Test Parameter(s)
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Hematocrit (HCT) and packed cell volume (PCV) are used to measure red blood cell mass. An increase in red blood cell mass is equivalent to erythrocytosis (body makes too many red blood cells) and lower than normal hematocritcan indicate low levels of red blood cells (anemia), elevated levels of white blood cells due to long-term illness, infection, or a white blood cells disorder such as leukemia or lymphoma, or Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Higher than normal hematocrit indicates dehydration, lung or heart disease, a blood disorder, such as polycythemiavera (the body produces too many red blood cells), and recent or long-term blood loss
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
₹ 280-
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1 Test Parameter(s)
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Complete blood count (CBC) is a type of blood test that helps determine an individual's overall health. This test evaluates red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and white blood cells , which fight infections and other diseases. There are five major types of white blood cells, and the CBC test measures the total number of white cells in the blood.CBC test includes an absolute and differential count of basophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil that measures the levels of these cells in the blood. CBC also measures the levels of platelets, which help prevent and stop bleeding. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells, and the Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) test determines the average concentration of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell (RBC). Hematocrit/ Packed Cell Volume (PCV) measures the proportion of red blood cells, and red cell distribution width (RDW) evaluates the differences in the volume and size of your red blood cells. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of the red blood cells. Complete blood counts can help detect various disorders, including infections, anemia, and diseases affecting blood components.
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics
Ferritin
₹ 700-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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The ferritin test is a very useful and convenient method of determining iron storage status. Ferritin is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of common disease states, such as iron-deficiency anemia, and for the evaluation of hereditary and acquired iron-overload conditions, such as hereditary hemochromatosis (a genetic disorder in whichbody builds up excessive iron in the skin, heart, liver, pancreas, pituitary gland, and joints leading to iron toxicity) and chronic transfusion therapy. Serum ferritin is usually included in the panel of several blood tests routinely prescribed to diagnose and manage these conditions and it is considered the single most useful marker in most populations.
Hemoglobin (Hb)
₹ 110-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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Red blood cells contain the proteinhemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and return transport of carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs. The levels of Hb are estimated by this test which is prescribed if an individual has symptoms of anemia such as dizziness, weakness, cold hands and feet, a family history of thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or other inherited blood disorder, or excessive blood loss because of injury or surgical procedure.
Iron Studies, Basic
₹ 500-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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The iron study test is also known as the serum ferritin test. Iron is essential for RBC (red blood cells) formation and for maintaining healthy muscle and organ function. The basic iron study test includes a set of tests to determine the iron levels present in the body. This test is indicated in patients experiencing iron deficiency symptoms like anemia, weakness, fatigue, and inflammatory bowel disease. The test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of iron supplement treatment.
Iron Studies, Comprehensive
₹ 1,200-
Includes
1 Test Parameter(s)
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Iron studies comprehensive is a group of tests used to determine levels of iron and other factors related to iron and blood. This test includes four parameters: Ferritin, Iron serum, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and Transferrin. Ferritin: This test measures the levels of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. If the ferritin level is lower than normal, the body doesn't have enough iron to meet its needs. This is known as iron deficiency. Iron Serum: A serum iron test measures iron levels in the blood. Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test measuring blood capacity to bind iron with transferrin. Transferrin: A transferrin test is performed to assess the amount of iron in the blood and the body's ability to transport iron in the blood. This profile detects blood-related disorders, such as anemia and iron overload. It is ordered when a person notices symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, and fatigue