Ferritin Test
$44.10
The ferritin test is ordered to assess a person's iron stores in the body. The test is sometimes ordered along with an iron test and a Total Iron Binding Capacity Profile (TIBC) to detect the presence and severity of iron deficiency or iron overload.
Preparation:
Please do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 12 hours prior to having your specimen collected.
Collection Method:
Blood Draw
Sample Type:
Blood
Processing Time:
1 Day$44.10
About The Test
Test Overview
Symptoms
Test Includes
Ferritin
A protein found in cells, particularly in liver cells, that plays a crucial role in the storage and release of iron in the body.
Recommended For
Associated Conditions
Understanding Results
- Low levels of ferritin suggest iron deficiency anemia, while high levels are suggestive of iron overload.
- Hemochromatosis causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.
- There are a few types of hemochromatosis, but the most common type is caused by a gene change passed down through families. Only a few people who have the genes ever develop serious problems. Symptoms usually appear in midlife.
- Treatment includes regularly removing blood from your body. Because much of the body's iron is contained in red blood cells, this treatment lowers iron levels.
- To confirm the presence of iron overload, other iron tests (iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity Profile -TIBC) and a genetic test for hereditary hemochromatosis may be ordered as well.
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