Normal 20-300 ng/mL

Indications

• Diagnosing:
  • Iron-deficiency anemiaH
  • emochromatosis
• Monitor:
  • Iron levels

Description

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 would cause increased levels?

• Inflammation
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Multiple blood transfusions
• Hemochromatosis

What would cause decreased levels?

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