Ferritin Test

A ferritin test is mainly conducted to measure ferritin levels in the bloodstream. This medical test helps in understanding if one has excess of ferritin in their blood or they suffer from ferritin deficiency. The higher the blood ferritin levels, the more stored iron the individual’s body has. 

A doctor may ask an individual to get tested for ferritin if he/she presents symptoms of high or low iron levels.

Common symptoms of low iron levels include

• Pale skin
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat

Symptoms of high iron level include

• Joint pain
• Pain in the abdomen
• Lack of energy
• Weight loss

These symptoms may get worse over time.

Ferritin test is also recommended to individuals with restless leg syndrome, a medical condition which is linked to low iron levels. 

The health care provider may ask the individual to not eat or drink anything at least 12 hours before the test. A blood sample for ferritin test is usually collected in the morning. 

A small amount of blood is needed for the test, which is collected per the following steps:

• A lab technician wraps an elastic band around the upper arm of the individual to stop the flow of blood. This will help locate the vein below the band
• The site of sample collection (skin above the vein) is cleaned using alcohol to sanitise the area
• The needle is inserted into the vein. One or more needle sticks may be required occasionally 
• A tube is attached to the needle to collect the blood sample, and once enough blood has been collected, the band will be removed from the arm

After sample collection, cotton is placed over the needle site and pressure is applied to stop bleeding. A bandage is then placed to prevent infection.

A feeling of tightness is experienced when the band is wrapped around the upper arm. Few individuals report no pain from the needle, and some may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Some common risks associated with blood tests are:

• Difficulty in obtaining the sample
• Excessive bleeding at the site of blood withdrawal 
• Fainting 
• Hematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin)
• Infection at the site where the needle is inserted

However, these risks can easily be reduced when proper precautionary measures are taken.

Normal results: Normal ranges for blood ferritin levels are as follows:

• 20 to 500 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) in men
• 20 to 200 ng/mL in women

Lower than normal ferritin in blood is indicative of iron deficiency anaemia. Higher than normal ferritin levels could be indicative of liver disease, alcohol abuse and haemochromatosis (a disorder leading to cirrhosis, heart disease and diabetes). It is also important to note that if abnormal ferritin levels do not necessarily indicate the presence of a medical condition.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.