Serum Ferritin

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

To help assess the levels of iron stored in your body

When this test is required

Ferritin is most often requested when a doctor thinks a patient has too little iron in their system. Low iron levels can lead to anaemia and the production of red blood cells that are small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic). If these typical changes are seen on a “full blood count” then ferritin can be measured to confirm a diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia.The test may also be requested when your doctor suspects you have too much iron stored in your body. Iron overload occurs in hereditary haemochromatosis (a genetic disorder which causes too much iron to be absorbed from the diet) but can also occur as a result of repeat blood transfusions and in alcoholics with liver disease.

What the Test Detects

Within cells, iron is stored bound to protein, forming complexes called ferritin and haemosiderin. Ferritin is the main storage complex and is present mostly in the liver, but also in the bone marrow, spleen, and muscles. Small amounts of ferritin also circulate in the blood. The ferritin concentration within the blood stream reflects the amount of iron stored in your body.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

You may be instructed to fast for 12 hours before the test; in this case, only water is permitted.

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm

Additional Notes

Most ferritin is located within the cells of the body, with only a small amount in the blood. When there is damage to organs that contain ferritin (especially the liver, spleen, and bone marrow), ferritin levels can become raised even though the total amount of iron in the body is normal. . Ferritin is therefore a less useful indicator of iron status when measured in people with liver disease, long-term infections, cancer or autoimmune diseases (which are all associated with organ damage).

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