Ferritin

This is a single-marker test measuring ferritin. It can be ordered as part of a custom panel. This test is useful for evaluating iron metabolism, microcytic anemia, and iron storage diseases.

Ordering the Ferritin Test with Access Medical Laboratories

Ferritin is an iron-containing protein in the blood. A ferritin test helps the physician to understand how much iron the body stores.

Iron is essential to make healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also necessary for healthy bone marrow, muscles, and organs, including brain development in children.

If a ferritin test reveals that the blood ferritin level is lower than expected, it indicates iron deficiency. This could lead to anemia. On the other hand, if a ferritin test shows higher than normal levels, it could suggest Hemochromatosis. High levels could also raise suspicion of rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, other inflammatory conditions, or hyperthyroidism. Some tumor types also can cause the blood ferritin level to be high.

The Test Can Help to Diagnose:

• Iron deficiency anemia.
• Hemochromatosis - a condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the food.
• Restless legs syndrome.
• Liver disease.
• Adult Still's disease.
• To monitor a condition and guide treatment.

Which Patients is the Ferritin Test from Access Medical Laboratories Best Used For?

High Risk for Iron Deficiency Includes:

• Underweight people.
• People assigned females at birth who experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
• During pregnancy.
• People with food absorption issues, such as IBD, or who have had GI surgery.

Iron Deficiency Symptoms

• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
  

High Risk for Elevated Ferritin Include:

• Alcohol Abuse
• Autoimmune diseases
• Diabetes
• Blood Cancers
• Obesity
• Hyperthyroidism
• Adult-onset Still’s disease
• Liver Disease
• Damage to the spleen, bone marrow or liver

High Levels of Ferritin and Iron Symptoms

• Painful joints
• Heart issues
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Hair Loss
• Lack of sex drive
• Fatigue