Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is a Ferritin Blood Test?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. A ferritin blood test estimates your stored iron reserves, which is different from measuring the iron currently circulating in your bloodstream.

Clinicians use ferritin results with your symptoms, medical history, and other blood tests to investigate possible iron deficiency, iron overload, or inflammation-related changes. This helps provide a fuller picture than an iron blood test alone.

When It Is Needed

When Is a Ferritin Blood Test Needed?

A clinician may order a ferritin test when symptoms, your medical history, examination findings, or other blood work suggest that your iron stores may be abnormal. It is not automatically a routine screening test for every adult; the decision usually depends on your individual findings and risk factors.

  • Suspected iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia
  • Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or other symptoms being evaluated with additional blood work
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal blood loss, or another possible source of blood loss
  • Possible iron overload or a condition affecting iron storage
  • Monitoring an existing iron-related condition or treatment

Preparation

How to Prepare for a Ferritin Blood Test

Fasting may not be needed when ferritin is the only test being done. However, fasting may be requested when ferritin is combined with other blood work, so follow the specific instructions from your clinician or laboratory.

  • Follow the ordering clinician’s instructions about food, drinks, and fasting.
  • Tell the clinician or laboratory about medicines, vitamins, and iron supplements before testing.
  • Drink water unless instructed otherwise, because hydration may make the blood draw easier.
  • Ask what to do if you ate, took a supplement, or missed another preparation instruction.

During the Test

What Happens During the Ferritin Blood Test?

A ferritin blood test is usually completed during one appointment. A healthcare professional cleans the skin, inserts a needle into a vein in your arm, collects blood into a tube, removes the needle, and applies pressure and a bandage to the site.

Risks

Risks of a Ferritin Blood Test

  • Brief pain, stinging, or tenderness at the needle site may occur.
  • Mild bruising or a small amount of bleeding can develop where the needle was inserted.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting may happen during or shortly after the draw.
  • Infection or continued bleeding at the puncture site is rare.

Results

Ferritin Blood Test Results

Your report usually displays a ferritin value alongside a laboratory reference range. Ferritin normal ranges vary between laboratories and may also differ based on factors such as age, sex, pregnancy status, and other health considerations.

What Low and High Ferritin Levels May Mean

A low ferritin level commonly suggests that iron stores are depleted. A clinician may evaluate possible causes such as limited dietary iron, blood loss, or impaired absorption. Ferritin high results can occur with iron overload, but high ferritin may also be linked to inflammation, infection, liver disease, or other conditions.

Diseases & Conditions

3 topics