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What is the Lab Name for Ferritin Lab Values?

Ferritin

What is Ferritin in terms of Nursing Labs?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. It is formed in the liver spleen and bone marrow. Ferritin in the blood is usually proportional to stored ferritin. Ferritin is a more sensitive and specific test for identifying iron-deficiency anemia, however, it is usually measured in conjunction with total iron binding capacity and iron.

What is the Normal Range for Ferritin?

20-300 ng/mL

What are the Indications for Ferritin?

• Diagnosing:
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Hemochromatosis
• Monitor:
  • Iron levels

What would cause Increased Levels of Ferritin?

• Inflammation
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Multiple blood transfusions
• Hemochromatosis
• Long term Gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

What would cause Decreased Levels of Ferritin?

• Long term Gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Heavy menstrual bleeding