Doctors often recommend getting a ferritin test done. Ever wondered what it is and why is it done? Let’s understand a ferritin test through this article.

What is ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein. Our bodies use it to store iron in blood cells. The iron in your body and ferritin are not the same thing. Instead, ferritin holds onto iron and releases it as needed by your body. Think of it as a reservoir. Only a small amount of ferritin circulates in your blood, while most typically dwells in your body’s cells. The highest levels of ferritin are found in hepatocytes or liver cells. They are also found in reticuloendothelial cells of the immune system.

During the formation of new red blood cells, the cells containing ferritin receive a signal from the body. They then proceed to release it. Then, a molecule known as transferrin (a type of protein) attaches to the ferritin. It delivers the ferritin to the site where there is a need for new red blood cells.

Normal iron levels are vital but having enough stored iron is as important. The body’s iron reserves might quickly run out if a person does not have enough ferritin.

What is the standard range of ferritin in blood?

In general, the normal ferritin levels are as follows –

20 to 500 nanograms per milliliter in men
20 to 200 nanograms per milliliter in women

Although these are typical ranges, various labs may have varying results. It happens because the method of determination of ferritin levels in the blood differs between laboratories. Always consult your doctor to know whether your ferritin levels are average, high, or low.

What is a ferritin test?

Your doctor advises you to get a ferritin test to check the iron level in your blood. Through this test, doctors can determine if your body has an iron deficit or an iron overload. Iron in red blood cells is necessary for oxygen transportation through your body. Lower iron means the lowering of the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. But the flip side is also not desirable.

So, ferritin tests can help doctors to understand if there is a major underlying issue in your body. It is indicated by either high or low iron levels.

The procedure followed for a ferritin test

Accurately determining your ferritin levels requires only a minimal amount of blood. Before the blood test, you need not take any particular measures.

Sometimes, your doctor might instruct you to go without food for at least 12 hours before collecting your blood. According to research, the test is more accurate if done in the morning on an empty stomach.

At the clinic, the collection of a small sample of your blood occurs. It is then delivered to a lab for analysis.

Are there any side effects of a ferritin test?

This test does not have any adverse effects. But, if you have a bleeding disorder or bruise, always mention it to your doctor before taking the test. Some patients may feel slight discomfort when the syringe punctures the skin.

Rare adverse effects after the test include excessive bleeding, dizziness or light-headedness, bruises, and infection. Always let your doctor know if you feel discomfort that does not seem normal.

When does a doctor order a ferritin test?

When a doctor suspects that you either have low or high ferritin levels, they may advise you to have the test done. Several symptoms that are often associated with both high or low levels of ferritin are –

Nausea
Tiredness
Overall weakness
Unexplained stomach pains

In general, other afflictions can also cause these symptoms. But more often, low or high iron is to blame. There might also be a chance that your ferritin levels will increase if you have liver or spleen damage.

What does a low ferritin level indicate?

Anemia, a disorder with insufficient red blood cells for iron to connect to, impacts iron levels negatively. When you do not get enough iron in your food regularly, you may develop an iron deficiency. It is detected by a lower-than-normal ferritin level. Other disorders that result in lower-than-average ferritin test results include –

Excessive menstrual bleeding,
Stomach issues that impair intestinal absorption, and
Internal bleeding

A person with anemia, for instance, will have low ferritin and blood iron levels. A chronic illness can reflect ferritin levels that are normal or elevated but low blood iron levels.

Your doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis if they know your ferritin levels. Thus, a ferritin test is done to monitor your overall health, particularly if you have an iron-related condition that leads to too much or too little iron in your blood.