Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
City Price Info
Home Collection
References
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. Hitesh Tiwari
MD Pathology, MBBS
Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Serum Ferritin

Also known as Ferritin serum, Iron (Fe) Stores, S. Ferritin
439655 32% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. No special preparation is required.

Understanding Serum Ferritin


What is Serum Ferritin?

A Serum Ferritin test measures the ferritin protein level in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Hence, this test helps determine how much iron is stored in your body. It also helps detect diseases such as iron deficiency anemia as well as the nutritional status of an individual.

Iron is an essential mineral required for various bodily functions, including oxygen transport, energy production, and enzyme activity. It is also vital for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and other functions, including brain development in children. Ferritin, primarily concentrated in the liver and immune system cells, is responsible for storing excess iron safely. When the body needs iron, ferritin releases it into the blood for use.

A  Serum Ferritin test helps detect diseases such as iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of iron in the body, hemochromatosis (iron overload), which can lead to organ damage (particularly the liver), and the nutritional status of an individual (concerning iron intake). It also helps monitor iron levels in individuals with chronic diseases or those receiving iron therapy.

Your doctor may advise a Serum Ferritin test when you have symptoms suggestive of altered iron levels, such as pale skin, extreme tiredness, weakness, heavy menstrual cycles, bleeding in your digestive tract, blood in your stool, shortness of breath, brittle nails, whooshing sound in your ears, and sudden spinning sensations (vertigo). 

No special preparation is needed for a ferritin test; eat or drink as per your daily routine. However, talk to your doctor about all the pre-test instructions. 

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The test results will help them develop appropriate management plans based on your needs and circumstances.

What is Serum Ferritin used for?

A Serum Ferritin test can be done:

  • To diagnose or confirm iron deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of iron in the body.
  • To monitor iron levels in individuals with chronic diseases, iron overload disorders, or those receiving iron therapy.
  • To assess organ function, particularly the liver, detect or monitor diseases like liver disease, restless leg syndrome, adult-onset Still’s disease, etc.
  • To determine the body’s capacity to store iron.
  • To assess the nutritional status, particularly concerning iron intake.

What does Serum Ferritin measure?

A Serum Ferritin test measures the concentration of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein found in cells, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, that stores iron in a soluble or nontoxic form. When the body needs iron for essential functions like producing red blood cells and carrying oxygen, it releases iron from ferritin into the blood.

A Serum Ferritin test provides valuable information about the body's iron storage levels. Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency, a condition where the body lacks enough iron to function properly. In contrast, elevated ferritin levels can indicate iron overload, a condition known as hemochromatosis. Iron overload can lead to organ damage if not adequately managed, making early detection crucial.

A Serum Ferritin test is a critical tool for assessing iron status, diagnosing iron deficiency anemia, monitoring treatment progress, detecting other iron-related disorders, and maintaining overall health.

Interpreting Serum Ferritin results


Interpretations

Normal levels:

  • Adults:
    • Males: 20 to 250 ng/mL
    • Females 18 to 39 years age: 10 to 120 ng/mL
    • Females over 40 years of age: 12 to 263 ng/mL
  • Children:
    • Newborns 25 to 200 ng/mL
    • Infants 1 month age: 200 to 600 ng/mL
    • Infants 2 to 5 months age: 50 to 200 ng/mL
    • Children 6 months to 15 years age: 7 to 140 ng/mL

Ferritin test results are usually interpreted in combination with other iron tests as follows:

Iron

TIBC

UIBC

Transferrin Saturation

Ferritin

Condition

Low

High

High

Low

Low

Iron Deficiency

High

Low

Low

High

High

Hemochromatosis, Hemosiderosis

Low

Low/Normal

Low/Normal

Low/Normal

High/Normal

Chronic Illness

High

Normal/Low

Low/Normal

High

High

Hemolytic Anemia

Normal/High

Normal/Low

Low/Normal

High

High

Sideroblastic Anemia

High

Normal

Low

High

Normal

Iron Poisoning

A higher-than-normal level of ferritin in the blood is called hyperferritinemia.

A lower-than-normal level of ferritin in the blood is called hypoferritinemia.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serum Ferritin


Frequently Asked Questions about Serum Ferritin

Q. Describe the meaning of ferritin.

Ferritin is an intracellular protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled manner. This protein is produced by nearly all living organisms, including plants, animals, bacteria, algae, etc.

Q. What is a Serum Ferritin test, and why is it important?

A Serum Ferritin test measures the level of ferritin in your blood, which is crucial for assessing iron levels in your body. It's important because it helps diagnose iron deficiency, iron overload, and various health conditions related to iron metabolism.

Q. How is a Serum Ferritin test performed?

A doctor will clean the skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take out a blood sample from your veins using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the lab for analysis.

Q. Which diseases are diagnosed with a Serum Ferritin test?

A Serum Ferritin test is used to screen for iron-deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis (iron overload), adult-onset Still’s disease, and liver disease.

Q. Can a Serum Ferritin test diagnose iron-deficiency anemia?

Yes, a Serum Ferritin test is a valuable tool in diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia. Low ferritin levels are a key indicator of this condition, which can cause a decrease in red blood cell production and oxygen-carrying capacity.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a Serum Ferritin test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting while the needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What are the symptoms of low ferritin levels? What is its treatment?

Low ferritin levels often indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Your doctor may advise iron supplements to increase your ferritin levels. In severe cases of anemia, you may also require treatment with intravenous iron.

Q. What factors can elevate the serum ferritin levels?

Elevated ferritin levels may be due to various factors, including iron overload disorders (hemochromatosis), chronic inflammatory conditions, liver disease, alcoholism, or certain medications.

Q. Is fasting necessary before a Serum Ferritin test?

Generally, fasting is not required for a Serum Ferritin test. However, it's essential to follow any specific instructions from your doctor.

Q. How often should I take a Serum Ferritin test if I have iron-related concerns?

The frequency of ferritin testing depends on your specific health condition and treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate testing schedule for your needs.

Q. Can COVID-19 infection affect serum ferritin levels?

Ferritin is a known inflammatory biomarker in case of COVID-19. Studies show that ferritin levels do increase in severe COVID-19 cases. However, many factors and co-morbidities can confound the level of serum ferritin.
+ more

Serum Ferritin test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 439
Price inKolkataRs. 439
Price inMumbaiRs. 439
Price inGurgaonRs. 300
Price inHyderabadRs. 439
+ more

Book Serum Ferritin at-home

Easy online booking
Search for tests and packages, book a time and select address for seamless at-home lab tests.
Live tracking of phlebotomist
Stay informed with live tracking of our phlebotomist's location for seamless sample collection.
Safe collection
Our phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols to collect samples at home on time.
Sample received at lab
Your sample is bought to our laboratory for testing by our qualified experts.
Quick reports, free follow up
Reports are sent to your email. A free doctor follow up is provided to understand the report better.
Test conducted by
Tata 1mg Labs (Tata 1mg Technologies Private Limited )
CAP accredited, ISO certified
Know more

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.