FERRITIN TEST

Description

TEST COMPONENTS:

The Ferritin Test measures the level of ferritin molecules in the blood.

AM I REQUIRED TO FAST FOR THIS LAB TEST?

No.

WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR THE FERRITIN LAB TEST? 

$49.00

*Price may vary by location – contact your local ANY LAB TEST NOW®

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY LAB TEST RESULTS?

Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours after your specimen is collected.

WHAT IS A FERRITIN LAB TEST?

Ferritin is a protein in the body that binds to iron.  The level of ferritin correlates with the total amount of iron stored in the body.   Ferritin is low in those with iron deficiency anemia and high when levels of iron are raised.  Liver dysfunction can cause elevated ferritin levels because the liver is unable to clear it from the body.  Ferritin may also be increased when the body is inflamed or an infection is present.

WHY DO I NEED IT?

Are you always tired?

If you are always tired you may have iron deficiency anemia.  This test is may be needed if other initial iron tests for hemoglobin (level of oxygen carrying protein) or hematocrit (proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component) are low.  A ferritin test can confirm a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.    It can also be used to diagnose conditions such as hemochromatosis, liver disease or adult Still’s disease.  Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with a condition such as hemochromatosis that causes your body to store too much iron, this test may be used to monitor your condition and guide treatment.

TEST DETAILS:

NORMAL RANGE:

Male
1-19 Years	10-105	ng/mL
20-39 Years	20-345	ng/mL
>39 Years	20-380	ng/mL
Female
1-19 Years	10-143	ng/mL
20-39 Years	10-154	ng/mL
40-59 Years	10-232	ng/mL
>59 Years	20-288	ng/mL

 

HIGH RESULTS INDICATE:

High results may indicate that you have a condition that causes your body to store too much iron.  This may point to liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or hyperthyroidism.  Certain types of cancer may also cause your blood ferritin level to be high.

LOW RESULTS INDICATE:

Low results indicate that the body’s stores of iron are depleted.

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN SHOULD I SEE IF MY TEST RESULTS ARE OUT-OF-RANGE OR ABNORMAL?

You should see your primary care physician.