Test Code 1045
Test Details
Ferritin
Ferritin is a blood cell protein that contains iron. It is the primary form of iron stored inside of cells.
Methodology
Particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 7 days
Lab Values
Ferritin
Female
- Low: <15 ng/dL
- Normal: 15-150 ng/dL
- High: >150 ng/dL
Male
- Low: <30 ng/dL
- Normal: 30-400 ng/dL
- High: >400 ng/dL
Clinical Significance
Ferritin
To determine the body's total iron storage capacity, often measured when levels of hemoglobin are low to help confirm diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.
- Ferritin levels are low in people who are iron deficient, or have chronic disease, and are elevated in those with hemolytic anemia, iron poisoning, hemochromatosis or who have had multiple blood transfusions.
- Ferritin is also an acute phase reactant and can be increased in people with inflammation, liver disease, chronic infection, autoimmune disorders, and some types of cancer. Ferritin is not typically used to detect or monitor these conditions.
- Iron stores, expressed as serum ferritin concentration, have also been proposed to be a component of the insulin-resistance syndrome.
- Ferritin is inversely related to adiponectin
Treatment Options
Ferritin
Medical care starts with establishing the diagnosis and reason for the iron deficiency.
- High Ferritin – Increased levels may be seen in alcohol abuse, acute hepatitis, and infections. In severe cases of hemochromatosis, periodic removal of a prescribed amount of blood, also known as therapeutic phlebotomy, may be necessary.
- Low Ferritin – supplemental iron
