What is ferritin

Ferritin is a protein in blood cells that stores iron. These conditions include:. People who have one of these conditions may require regular ferritin blood tests to monitor their health. They may test for:. After a doctor takes the blood sample, they will send it to a laboratory for testing. Once the laboratory technicians analyze the blood, they will typically send the results back within a few days of the test.

Ferritin blood test results may come back as normal, low, or high. The following sections discuss what these results mean. According to some sources , the normal ranges for ferritin in the blood are as follows:.

It is important that people confirm normal levels with their doctor or the laboratory that tested them. A result of low ferritin is strong evidence of an iron deficiency. The body requires iron to make hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells that transfers oxygen from the lungs around the body. A result of above-normal ferritin levels will require further testing to discover the underlying cause and help doctors determine the best course of treatment. Doctors treat low ferritin levels with oral iron supplements.

For severe cases of anemia, a person may require treatment with intravenous iron. For the best results, people should take oral iron supplements with a source of vitamin C to increase iron absorption. They should avoid antacids, calcium supplements, and tea or coffee within 2 hours of an iron supplement. Typically, people will require follow-up blood tests to check that their ferritin levels and iron levels have returned to normal.

If ferritin and blood iron levels do not return to normal following iron supplementation, a doctor may carry out additional testing to determine the cause of the deficiency and treat it accordingly. For hereditary hemochromatosis, doctors typically recommend a person have their blood removed from their body, in a process called phlebotomy, on a regular basis. At first, the person may require the removal of around ml of blood weekly until their ferritin levels return to normal.

Those with other conditions causing high ferritin levels may require additional treatments, such as medications or procedures, depending on the cause. Typically, a medical professional will begin by cleaning the skin around the puncture site using an alcohol-based solution. Usually, they will take the blood from a vein on the inside of the elbow. Treatment will…. If you're not getting enough iron, you may develop iron-deficiency anemia. Here are 10 signs and symptoms that you're deficient in iron.

The average American gets all the iron they need from the food they eat. Pregnant women and people with certain conditions sometimes need extra iron. Iron is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in many bodily functions.

Here are 21 iron-rich plant foods for vegetarians and vegans. Iron is essential for good health, but many people are deficient in it. The foods you eat can influence how much iron your body ends up absorbing. Iron is an essential mineral, but ingesting too much can cause severe harm.

This is a detailed review of the harmful effects of too much iron. When your child stops breastfeeding or switches to solid foods, they might not be eating enough iron-rich foods. This can put them at risk for iron…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Ferritin Level Blood Test. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What is a ferritin test?

Your body relies on iron in red blood cells to carry oxygen to all its cells. What is ferritin? Purpose of a ferritin test. How is the ferritin test performed? Understanding your ferritin blood test results. Causes of low ferritin levels. Causes of high ferritin levels. Symptoms may include: Joint pain Abdominal pain Lack of energy Weight loss You may also need this test if you have restless legs syndrome , a condition that may be related to low iron levels.

What happens during a ferritin blood test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test?

What do the results mean? Is there anything else I need to know about a ferritin blood test? References Hinkle J, Cheever K. Ferritin, Serum; p. Lab Tests Online [Internet]. Washington D. Ferritin: The Test [updated Jul 21; cited Nov 2]; [about 3 screens]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— Ferritin Test: Overview; Feb 10 [cited Nov 2]; [about 4 screens]. Iron [cited Nov 2]; [about 2 screens]. Bethesda MD : U.

Blood Test: Ferritin Iron [cited Nov 2]; [about 3 screens]. University of Florida; c Ferritin blood test: Overview [updated Nov 2; cited Nov 2]; [about 2 screens].

Health Encyclopedia: Ferritin Blood [cited Nov 2]; [about 2 screens].