Ferritin Test For Iron Deficiency in Blood

The ferritin blood test measures the level of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein inside your cells that stores iron. It allows your body to use the iron when it needs it. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood.

Ferritin Test

Here is basic information about Ferritin Test.

Also Known As	Ferritin Blood Test
Test Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Measure Ferritin Level in Blood
Sample Type	Blood serum
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	Above 10 Years
Fasting	No
Value	24 - 336 ng/mL
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Reporting Time	1 - 2 Hours
Cost	500 - 700* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

FBT Test Full Form

Full form of FBT Test is Ferritin Blood Test.

What is Ferritin Test

The ferritin test is a blood test that measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in the blood.
Ferritin is an important marker of the body's iron stores and can help diagnose conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis, which affect iron metabolism.
The test involves collecting a small blood sample from a vein in the arm, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results can be available within a few hours to several days, depending on the laboratory and testing method used.

Interesting Facts About Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores and releases iron in the body.

It is primarily found in cells of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Ferritin levels are used as an indicator of iron stores in the body.

Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency anemia.

High ferritin levels can be seen in conditions such as hemochromatosis or inflammation.

Ferritin Test Purpose

Here are the purposes of a ferritin test.

Measure the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in the blood
Help diagnose iron deficiency anemia, which can be caused by a lack of iron in the body
Monitor the progress of iron-deficiency anemia treatment
Help diagnose other conditions that affect iron metabolism, such as hemochromatosis, a condition in which the body absorbs too much iron
Evaluate the risk of iron overload in people who receive frequent blood transfusions
Help diagnose and monitor some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, that can cause high levels of ferritin in the blood.

Ferritin Test Price Normal Range Results Purpose Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

Ferritin Test Preparation

here are the steps involved in a ferritin test procedure, including what happens before, during, and after the test:

Before the test:

The healthcare provider may ask the patient to avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for a certain amount of time before the test.
They may also ask the patient to avoid taking certain medications that can affect the results of the test.

During the test:

A healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a small needle.
The provider will clean the skin over the vein with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
They will then wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to help the veins in the arm fill with blood.
The healthcare provider will insert the needle into the vein and collect a small amount of blood into a vial or tube.
Once they have collected enough blood, they will remove the needle and apply pressure to the site to stop any bleeding.

After the test:

The healthcare provider will remove the elastic band and cover the site with a bandage or gauze.
The patient may be asked to apply pressure to the site for a few minutes to help stop any bleeding.
The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis of the ferritin level.
Depending on the laboratory and testing method used, results may be available within a few hours or may take several days.
The healthcare provider will review the results with the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up or treatment.

Summary

For a ferritin test, a blood sample is taken, and results are reviewed with the healthcare provider for further guidance.

Ferritin Test Procedure

Here are the general steps involved in a ferritin test procedure:

The healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a small needle.
The healthcare provider will clean the skin over the vein with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
They will then wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to help the veins in the arm fill with blood.
The healthcare provider will insert the needle into the vein and collect a small amount of blood into a vial or tube.
Once they have collected enough blood, they will remove the needle and apply pressure to the site to stop any bleeding.
The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis of the ferritin level.
Depending on the laboratory and testing method used, results may be available within a few hours or may take several days.

Ferritin Test Result

Here are three possible bullet points for the results of a ferritin test:

Ferritin levels in the blood can range from very low (indicating iron-deficiency anemia) to very high (indicating a condition such as hemochromatosis).
The normal range for ferritin levels can vary depending on the laboratory and the individual's age, sex, and other factors.
If ferritin levels are abnormal, further testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Ferritin Test Report

Ferritin Test Report - Drlogy Test

Ferritin Test Report PDF

Ferritin Test Normal Report

Ferritin Test Normal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

Ferritin Normal Test Report PDF Format

Ferritin Test Normal Result Report PDF

Ferritin Test Abnormal Report

Ferritin Test Abnormal Report Format Example Sample Template - Drlogy Pathology Lab Report Format

Ferritin Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

Ferritin Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

Ferritin Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range for ferritin levels in adults:

Age	Male	Female
18 - 39 years	24-336 ng/mL	10-120 ng/mL
40 - 59 years	20-320 ng/mL	10-200 ng/mL
> = 60 years	20-400 ng/mL	10-200 ng/mL

Note that normal ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the testing method used. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider to interpret ferritin test results in the context of an individual's overall health and medical history.

Ferritin Test Interpretation

Here is info that provides an interpretation of Ferritin test results:

Ferritin Level	Interpretation
High	Iron overload, hemochromatosis, inflammation, liver disease
Normal	Adequate iron stores, healthy iron levels
Low	Iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, chronic disease
Very low	Severe iron deficiency, significant iron depletion

Specimen Requirments For Ferritin Test

Here are the specimen requirements for Ferritin Test.

Specimen	Whole Blood
Volume	2 ml
Container	Lavender-top (EDTA) microcollection tube

Ferritin Test High Levels

Here are possible causes of high ferritin levels.

Causes of High Ferritin Levels	Explanation
Hemochromatosis	A genetic disorder that causes excessive iron absorption and storage in the body
Iron overload due to frequent blood transfusions	Repeated blood transfusions can lead to an accumulation of iron in the body, which can increase Ferritin levels
Chronic liver disease	Liver disease can cause inflammation, leading to increased Ferritin levels
Inflammation	Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease can increase Ferritin levels
Some cancers	Certain cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia can cause increased Ferritin levels
Kidney disease	Impaired kidney function can result in decreased excretion of Ferritin, leading to elevated levels
Alcohol abuse	Chronic alcohol consumption can damage the liver, leading to inflammation and increased Ferritin levels
High doses of vitamin C or iron supplements	Taking excessive amounts of vitamin C or iron supplements can result in increased Ferritin levels in the blood

Ferritin Test Low Levels

Here are possible causes of low ferritin levels.

Causes of Low Ferritin Levels	Explanation
Iron deficiency anemia	The most common cause of low Ferritin levels, iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body to produce hemoglobin, resulting in decreased Ferritin levels
Blood loss	Chronic or acute blood loss, such as from menstruation, injury, or surgery, can result in decreased Ferritin levels
Inflammatory bowel disease	Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract can lead to decreased absorption of iron, resulting in low Ferritin levels
Malnutrition	A diet lacking in iron or other nutrients necessary for hemoglobin production can lead to low Ferritin levels
Pregnancy	Increased demands for iron during pregnancy can deplete the body's iron stores and result in low Ferritin levels
Hypothyroidism	An underactive thyroid gland can affect the body's ability to absorb and utilize iron, leading to low Ferritin levels
Chronic kidney disease	Impaired kidney function can lead to decreased production of erythropoietin, a hormone necessary for red blood cell production, resulting in decreased Ferritin levels
Some medications	Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids, can decrease the absorption of iron and result in low Ferritin levels

Summary

High ferritin levels can indicate iron overload or conditions like inflammation, while low levels may indicate iron deficiency anemia or insufficient iron stores.

Ferritin Test is Safe?

Yes, the Ferritin test is generally considered safe and is a routine blood test that is commonly performed for a variety of reasons. Here are three bullet points to explain why:

Ferritin tests are performed using a small sample of blood that is taken from a vein in your arm. This is a simple and safe procedure that carries very little risk.
There are no known side effects or complications associated with a Ferritin test. You may experience some slight pain or discomfort at the site where the blood is drawn, but this is generally mild and temporary.
Ferritin tests are widely used and are considered a routine part of many medical evaluations. As with any medical test, there is always a small chance of error or inaccuracy, but overall the Ferritin test is considered a safe and reliable way to measure your body's iron levels.

When Do You Get Ferritin Test Results?

Ferritin test results are typically available within a few days, depending on the laboratory and testing facility used.
Your doctor will contact you with the test results and discuss any follow-up steps that may be necessary, depending on the results.

Ferritin Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Ferritin Test.

Can be influenced by various factors, including inflammation and infection.
Cannot differentiate between iron deficiency and other causes of low ferritin.
May not accurately reflect iron status in certain medical conditions.
Cannot assess the body's ability to use iron effectively.
Limited in providing information about specific iron storage disorders.

Ferritin Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Ferritin Test.

Risk of infection or bleeding at the site of blood draw.
Possibility of bruising or hematoma formation.
Potential for fainting or dizziness during or after the test.
Rare allergic reaction to the needle or blood collection equipment.
Inaccurate results due to certain medications or medical conditions.

Doctor Recommendations After Ferritin Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after Ferritin Test.

Ferritin Test Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Hematologist	Assess iron overload or inflammation
Normal	Primary Care Physician	Routine follow-up or further evaluation
Low	Hematologist	Investigate iron deficiency or anemia

Ferritin Test Price

Here are the estimated Ferritin Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	500 - 700
New Delhi	600 - 700
Bangalore	500 - 700
Hyderabad	600 - 700
Kolkata	500 - 700
Pune	600 - 700
Lucknow	500 - 700
Noida	600 - 700
Surat	500 - 700
Gurugram	600 - 700
Patna	600 - 700
Chennai	500 - 700
Jaipur	600 - 700
Ahmedabad	500 - 700

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Ferritin Test is a blood test that measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, and can help diagnose conditions related to iron metabolism. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Ferritin - Wikipedia [1].
Ferritin for the Clinician - NIH [2].

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Ferritin Test FAQ

What is a Ferritin Test?

The Ferritin Test is a blood test that measures the levels of ferritin, a protein responsible for storing iron in the body.
Ferritin levels are an important indicator of iron stores in the body and can help diagnose conditions related to iron deficiency or iron overload.

Why is a Ferritin Test done?

The Ferritin Test is primarily used to evaluate iron levels in the body.

It helps diagnose iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of iron in the body, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
The test is also used to monitor iron levels in individuals with conditions such as hemochromatosis, a disorder characterized by excess iron absorption, which can lead to organ damage if left untreated.

What do the results of a Ferritin Test mean?

The results of a Ferritin Test are reported as the concentration of ferritin in the blood, usually measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

Normal ferritin levels vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and individual health conditions.
Higher ferritin levels may indicate iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis or liver disease, while lower levels can suggest iron deficiency anemia.
It's important to interpret the test results in conjunction with other clinical findings and consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis. They will guide you on the next steps, which may include further testing or treatment options.

What happens if ferritin is low?

When ferritin levels are low, it typically indicates decreased iron stores in the body. Iron is crucial for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells. Therefore, low ferritin levels often lead to iron deficiency anemia, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and decreased immune function. Prolonged iron deficiency can have more severe consequences, affecting cognitive function, growth and development in children, and overall quality of life. It is essential to address low ferritin levels and iron deficiency through proper diagnosis and treatment.

When should I worry about ferritin levels?

It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your ferritin levels. While specific thresholds may vary depending on individual factors and medical guidelines, ferritin levels below 15-30 ng/mL are generally considered low and may indicate iron deficiency. On the other hand, persistently high ferritin levels may require further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic tests will also be taken into consideration when evaluating ferritin levels. A healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and determine the appropriate course of action based on your specific circumstances.