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Home > Blog > Importance of Ferritin Test: Meaning, Purpose, and Normal Level

Importance of Ferritin Test: Meaning, Purpose, and Normal Level

Importance of Ferritin Test: Meaning, Purpose, and Normal Level

Max Lab

Aug 06, 2022

A ferritin test is a blood test that checks the level of ferritin in the body. It is recommended by medical professionals to keep track of the iron level in the blood.

What is Serum Ferritin?

Ferritin is an important protein in the body that is responsible for storing and releasing iron when the body requires it. As iron is required by the body for making red blood cells and carrying oxygen, ferritin is always needed in trace quantities for important bodily functions. This mineral is not naturally produced in the body, so humans depend on dietary supplements to fulfil its requirements. Iron from the food items is mostly used in the haemoglobin of red blood cells and a small amount is stored as serum ferritin. Other uses of iron in the body are the production of proteins like myoglobin and some enzymes. Usually, ferritin is present in the liver, bone marrow, and spleen. If the ferritin level is depleted in the body, then it can cause iron deficiency anaemia.

What is Ferritin Test?

A ferritin blood test is used to determine the level of ferritin in the blood. This test is highly useful in finding any changes in the iron level in the human body. One can find out if one has a low or high ferritin level in the blood from ferritin test results. An abnormal ferritin level in the body indicates an underlying health condition in a person. If a person exhibits any signs of iron deficiency, the doctor will order a ferritin test along with other tests such as total iron-binding capacity, CBC, and anaemia.

When is Ferritin Test Prescribed?

As already discussed, a ferritin test is prescribed when a person has visible signs of iron deficiency. Some of the common symptoms indicating low ferritin levels include:

A medical practitioner may suggest a person a ferritin test if they suspect a high ferritin level in the blood. Some of the common symptoms indicating an increased level of ferritin are:

This test is also prescribed to check the overall health of a person.

Causes of Abnormal Ferritin Levels

Reasons for Low Ferritin Levels

Low ferritin levels are caused by insufficient iron in the body. If a person does not have a balanced diet and consumes foods that have little to no iron, then it can lead to a decrease in the ferritin level in the body.

Another common reason for low levels of ferritin can be a lack of sufficient red blood cells in the body to attach the iron. This condition is called anaemia. Besides this, internal blood loss and abdominal conditions can also lead to a low ferritin level in the blood.

In women, the fluctuation in the ferritin level is also affected by excessive loss of blood during the menstruation period.

Reasons for High Ferritin Levels

High ferritin levels can be a result of several health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hemochromatosis, leukaemia, liver disease, and hyperthyroidism. Usually, when a body part has swelled, the ferritin level may increase. This is one of the reasons for the high ferritin levels of liver patients and some cancer patients. The most common reasons for the shooting up of ferritin levels in the body are alcohol consumption, obesity, swelling, and an unhealthy lifestyle. 

It is important to keep ferritin levels in the normal range to lead a healthy life and avoid severe medical conditions.

Ferritin Test Result Evaluation

The ferritin test can be booked online from the Max Lab's website. The ferritin test does not cost much as all the tests at Max Lab are affordably priced and are within the reach of every individual. We have successfully conducted several tests, including the ferritin test in COVID, and given 100% accurate results. One can search for the nearest Max Lab centre around their locality or can schedule the test for at-home sample collection. A phlebotomist visits the home and takes the blood sample to the test centre. The entire process does not take much time. One can visit the official website of Max Lab to download the test report and show it to the doctor.

If the ferritin level is not in the normal range, then the doctor may ask them to undergo several other tests to confirm the condition. It is important to take advice from a certified doctor regarding any medical condition.

Want to book a Blood Test?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Ferritin is a protein found in the body that stores iron, an essential mineral for various bodily functions. This protein ensures that there is enough iron available to produce hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body. Without enough ferritin levels in your blood, you may develop anemia and experience fatigue or weakness.

 

A ferritin test is a blood test that measures the level of ferritin in your body. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in cells, so it's an indicator of how much iron you have stored in your body. Essentially, the ferritin test provides insight into whether or not you have enough iron stored up for future use.

 

Are you experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or hair loss? Do you have a history of anemia in your family? Are you a vegetarian or vegan who may not be consuming enough iron-rich foods? If any of these apply to you, it may be worth considering taking a ferritin test.

 

The food we eat can have a significant impact on our health, including our ferritin levels. Ferritin is stored in the liver and released into the bloodstream when needed. It binds with iron to transport it throughout the body and helps regulate iron levels.

Eating a diet that is low in iron can lead to decreased ferritin levels, which may result in anemia. Foods rich in iron include red meat, poultry, beans, lentils, spinach and fortified cereals.

 

 

Ferritin tests are not always a standard part of routine check-ups, but there are certain groups of people who should consider taking it. Women who experience heavy periods are at risk of iron deficiency anemia and should consider taking a ferritin test. This is because they lose blood during menstruation, which can lead to low levels of iron in their bodies.

 

Having either low or high levels of ferritin in the body can potentially lead to health problems. Low levels of ferritin, also known as iron deficiency, can cause anemia and symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.

On the other hand, high levels of ferritin can indicate a condition called hemochromatosis. This is a genetic disorder where the body absorbs too much iron from food and accumulates it in organs like the liver, heart, and pancreas.

 

The frequency of ferritin level check-ups varies depending on the individual's health status, age, and underlying medical conditions. Generally speaking, individuals who have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia or other chronic diseases that affect iron absorption may need to have their ferritin levels checked more frequently.

 

Various factors such as age, gender, diet, medications, and underlying medical conditions can affect your ferritin levels. Therefore it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before undergoing any tests or treatments.

 

 

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