Ferritin Lab Test
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)
| See Also | Lab Tests |
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Ferritin refers to the main storage form of iron in the body. Decreased blood ferritin levels is reflective of tissue ferritin levels, which in turn is indicative of decreased iron storage found in iron deficiency anemia. Ferritin is the most sensitive test to detect iron deficiency.[1],[2]
Patient Preparation
- Fasting is not required
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
- Hemochromatosis / hemosiderosis
- Iron Overload
- Inflammation
- running an ESR currently can help determine if the high ferritin is due to inflammation.
- Liver dysfunction
- Oxidative Stress
Low levels indicate:
Associated Tests
- CBC, Serum Iron, TIBC, Transferrin, Zinc Protoporphyrin
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J, (1998) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby, Inc
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain
