Also Known As
Ferritin Serum, Serum Ferritin, Serum Ferritin Level
The Purpose of a Ferritin Test
A ferritin blood test is a crucial diagnostic tool that provides a clear picture of your body’s iron storage levels. Iron is an essential mineral needed to maintain healthy muscles, organs, and bone marrow function. It plays a key role in producing red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are too low, your body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. On the other hand, excess iron can damage organs and contribute to chronic disease. By measuring ferritin—the protein that stores iron—a ferritin blood test helps you and your healthcare provider detect imbalances early, supporting preventative care and better long-term health outcomes.
What Does the Ferritin Lab Test Measure?
This test measures the amount of ferritin—a protein that stores iron—in your blood. It’s a reliable way to detect iron deficiency or iron overload before symptoms progress.
Who Should Take a Blood Test for Ferritin?
The ferritin blood test measures the concentration of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin reflects the total iron stored in your body and serves as an early indicator of iron deficiency or overload, often before symptoms become severe. This test can also help determine whether symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath are linked to iron-related issues. In cases where iron overload is suspected, the ferritin blood test can reveal whether excess iron is potentially affecting your liver, heart, or other vital organs.
Ferritin Lab Test Preparation
No special preparation is required for a ferritin blood test. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as usual before the appointment, unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. The test is performed via a simple blood draw, typically from a vein in your arm, and is quick, minimally invasive, and well-tolerated.
Blood Test Ferritin Results
With this blood test, ferritin levels are considered normal if they range from 24 to 336 micrograms per liter (men) and 11 to 307 micrograms per liter (women). Lower-than-normal levels may be a sign of anemia (iron-deficient blood). Elevated ferritin levels can indicate hyperthyroidism, liver disease, hemochromatosis, alcohol use disorder, or certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or Hodgkin’s lymphoma, among other health issues.
Do you want to know more about what your results mean?
Where Can I Get a Ferritin Blood Test Near Me?
Our comprehensive collection of health tests gives you the information you need to take control of your health. The process is simple:
Step 1: Find the test you want, make your purchase, and download the corresponding lab order. (A doctor’s pre-approval won’t be necessary, depending on the state you live in.)
Step 2: Use our lab locator to quickly find a location near you for your ferritin blood test. We partner with Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, two of the leading lab companies in America, to give you access to more than 4,000 facilities nationwide.
Step 3: Bring the test order to the lab when you get your blood drawn.
Step 4: Test results should arrive in your confidential and secure Personalabs account within 2 to 10 business days. (Turnaround times can vary depending on the test and lab location, so contact us if you need results by a certain deadline—we will reach out to the lab on your behalf.)
Personalabs puts the power in your hands so you can make more informed healthcare decisions. Support your health and well-being today with blood tests that deliver fast, accurate results. Shop our collection of tests today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a ferritin blood test detect early signs of iron-related conditions?
Yes. Because ferritin levels reflect iron storage in your body, this test can detect imbalances before more obvious symptoms develop. This makes it useful for identifying potential health issues at an early stage, when they may be easier to address.
2. How often should I have a ferritin blood test?
The frequency depends on your health status and your doctor’s recommendations. People managing conditions like anemia, hemochromatosis, or chronic inflammation may need regular testing, while others might only require it as part of routine checkups or when symptoms arise.
3. Can medications affect ferritin blood test results?
Yes. Certain medications, such as iron supplements, birth control pills, or treatments for inflammation, can influence ferritin levels. Your healthcare provider may review your medication history to ensure accurate interpretation of results.
4. Is a ferritin blood test useful for athletes?
Absolutely. Athletes, especially endurance athletes, may be at risk of iron depletion due to increased demands on the body. Testing ferritin levels can help determine whether their iron stores are sufficient to support performance and recovery.
5. Can ferritin levels be influenced by diet?
Yes. While ferritin reflects stored iron rather than immediate dietary intake, a diet low in iron-rich foods or high in substances that block iron absorption (such as certain teas or high-calcium diets) can gradually lower ferritin over time.
6. Does a ferritin blood test require additional follow-up testing?
In some cases, yes. Abnormal ferritin levels may prompt your healthcare provider to order additional tests—such as serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), or genetic testing for hemochromatosis—to identify the underlying cause of the imbalance.
