Ferritin Blood Test

📅 Last Updated: April 2026  |  🩺 Medically Reviewed by: Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director  |  🧪 Lab Partner: Labcorp

Also Known As

Ferritin Serum, Serum Ferritin, Serum Ferritin Level

The Purpose of a Ferritin Test

Ferritin is the most sensitive early marker of iron deficiency — it falls months before hemoglobin drops and anemia develops. If you have persistent fatigue, hair loss, restless legs, or poor exercise tolerance with a normal CBC, low ferritin is frequently the
cause that gets missed.

Order online, visit any Labcorp location nationwide, results in your private portal in 24–48 hours. No doctor visit required.

Ferritin Normal Range — What Your Results Mean

| Level | Men | Women | Classification |
|—|—|—|—|
| Critically Low | Below 12 ng/mL | Below 12 ng/mL | Severe iron deficiency — supplement urgently |
| Deficient | 12–30 ng/mL | 12–20 ng/mL | Iron deficiency without anemia — symptomatic |
| Low-Normal | 30–100 ng/mL | 20–50 ng/mL | Suboptimal — fatigue and hair loss common |
| Optimal | 100–200 ng/mL | 50–150 ng/mL | Healthy iron stores |
| Elevated | 200–300 ng/mL | 150–200 ng/mL | Monitor — may indicate inflammation |
| High | Above 300 ng/mL | Above 200 ng/mL | Investigate — hemochromatosis, liver disease, inflammation |
| Critical | Above 1,000 ng/mL | Above 1,000 ng/mL | Urgent evaluation required |

Why Ferritin Is the Iron Test Most Doctors Don’t Order

Most annual blood panels include a CBC — which measures hemoglobin and red blood cell counts. But hemoglobin
only falls after iron stores have been depleted for months or even years. By the time anemia shows on a CBC your ferritin has been critically low for a long time.

Ferritin measures iron storage — the reserves in your tissues and organs. It is the earliest detectable sign of iron depletion and the most clinically useful marker for managing iron status.

Pre-anemia iron deficiency — ferritin below 30 ng/mL with normal hemoglobin — is called iron deficiency without anemia. It causes significant symptoms including persistent fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath on exertion, brain fog, hair shedding, brittle nails, restless leg syndrome, and cold hands and feet. All of these occur while a CBC appears completely normal.

Who needs ferritin testing:

Women with heavy menstrual periods — the most common cause of iron deficiency in premenopausal women. Blood loss from heavy periods depletes iron stores faster than diet replaces them.

Athletes and heavy exercisers — foot strike hemolysis in runners, sweat losses, and increased red blood cell turnover all deplete
iron. Many athletes with unexplained fatigue and declining performance have low ferritin despite a normal CBC.

Vegetarians and vegans — non-heme iron from plant sources has significantly lower absorption than heme iron from animal products.

People with gut absorption issues — celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and H. pylori infection all impair iron absorption.

People with thyroid disease — hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s are associated with iron deficiency through multiple mechanisms.

Elevated ferritin — high ferritin above 300 ng/mL is not always a good sign. It is an acute phase reactant — meaning it rises with inflammation, infection, liver disease, and in hemochromatosis (iron overload). Elevated ferritin without clinical explanation warrants investigation.

Reviewed by Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director, Personalabs

How Much Does a Ferritin Test Cost? Personalabs vs. Other Options

| Where You Get Tested | Typical Cost | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Personalabs | $44 | Physician order included — no doctor visit |
| Primary care visit + lab | $150–$300+ | Office copay + separate lab bill |
| Hospital outpatient lab | $150–$400+ | Same test — hospital markup applied |
| Insurance with deductible | Varies | Often denied as “not medically necessary” |

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 Get a Ferritin Blood Test?

Consider ordering a ferritin test if you have symptoms that could be related to iron deficiency or iron overload, or if you want to establish a baseline for your iron health.

Symptoms of low ferritin / iron deficiency:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy despite adequate sleep
• Hair thinning or excessive hair loss
• Shortness of breath during normal activity
• Pale skin, brittle nails, or cold hands and feet
• Restless leg syndrome
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Frequent headaches

Symptoms of high ferritin / iron overload:

• Joint pain, especially in the knuckles
• Abdominal pain or liver tenderness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Skin bronzing or darkening
• Reduced sex drive

Also recommended for:

• Women of reproductive age — menstruation is a leading cause of iron depletion
• Pregnant women — iron demands increase significantly during pregnancy
• Vegans and vegetarians — plant-based iron (non-heme) is less bioavailable
• Endurance athletes — heavy training accelerates iron loss through sweat and foot-strike hemolysis
• Anyone with a family history of hemochromatosis (genetic iron overload disorder)
• People donating blood regularly
• Anyone with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or other absorption issues

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.

Ferritin Blood Test Normal Ranges

Ferritin reference ranges vary by sex and age. Here are the generally accepted normal ranges:

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Always review results with a qualified healthcare provider.

What low ferritin means: Levels below the normal range typically indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia if left unaddressed. Even ferritin in the low-normal range (below 30 ng/mL) can cause fatigue and hair loss in some people, particularly women.

What high ferritin means: Elevated ferritin can indicate iron overload (hemochromatosis), liver disease, chronic inflammation, hyperthyroidism, or certain cancers. Ferritin above 1,000 ng/mL warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Do you want to know more about what your results mean?

How Much Does a Ferritin Blood Test Cost?

A ferritin blood test at Personalabs costs $77 — physician lab order included. No insurance required.

HSA and FSA eligible. Ferritin testing qualifies as a reimbursable medical expense.

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: Ferritin Blood Test