What is ferritin and what does it do

Zinc protoporphyrin to measure iron deficiency or levels of lead toxicity. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem.

Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. The normal range for ferritin in your blood serum is:. If your results are lower, it may mean that you have iron-deficiency anemia.

Lower levels may also be caused by certain medicines. Antacids can cause absorption problems, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can cause blood loss in your digestive tract. You may also have higher levels if you are getting iron-replacement therapy or had a recent blood transfusion.

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain.

Afterward, the site may be sore. Eating foods that are high in iron, including meat, leafy green vegetables, and beans, or taking iron supplements can affect your results. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here.

What to know about ferritin blood tests for anemia Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M. Ferritin blood test Results Increasing ferritin Lowering ferritin Procedure How to prepare Summary Ferritin is a protein in blood cells that stores iron.

What is a ferritin blood test? Share on Pinterest A ferritin blood test can help a doctor diagnose conditions related to high or low iron levels. What do the results mean? Share on Pinterest Low ferritin levels can cause headaches and pale skin. How to increase low ferritin levels. How to lower high ferritin levels. Share on Pinterest A doctor may recommend phlebotomy to treat high ferritin levels. How to prepare for the test.

Medically reviewed by J. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What to know about iron deficiency anemia. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. If your ferritin results are not normal, it does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Certain medicines can decrease or increase your ferritin levels. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Ferritin Blood Test. What is a ferritin blood test? Other names: serum ferritin, serum ferritin level, ferritin serum.

What is it used for? Why do I need a ferritin blood test? 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: Pale skin Fatigue Weakness Dizziness Shortness of breath Rapid heart beat Symptoms of iron levels that are too high can vary and tend to get worse over time. 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.

It could also point to liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or hyperthyroidism. Some types of cancer also can cause your blood ferritin level to be high. If your doctor suspects you have too much or too little iron in your body, he or she might suggest a ferritin test. The test can diagnose or suggest:. Your doctor might also suggest a ferritin test if you've been diagnosed with a disorder that results in too much iron in your body, such as hemochromatosis.

Your doctor might use a ferritin test to monitor your condition and guide treatment. If your blood sample is being tested only for ferritin, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for other tests, you might need to fast for a time before the test. Your doctor will instruct you. During the ferritin test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.

The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.