Ferritin

Overview

Ferritin measures the intracellular iron storage protein that reflects total body iron stores in healthy individuals. It sequesters iron to prevent free radical formation and releases it as needed for hemoglobin synthesis and other metabolic functions. Elevated levels indicate iron overload, inflammation, liver disease, or malignancy, while low levels signal iron deficiency anemia. Ferritin is clinically useful for diagnosing iron deficiency, monitoring iron overload disorders, and as an acute phase reactant in inflammatory conditions.

Clinical Use Cases

  • Diagnosing and monitoring iron deficiency anemia.
  • Evaluating hereditary hemochromatosis and secondary iron overload.
  • Assessing anemia of chronic disease (typically normal/elevated ferritin).
  • Monitoring iron supplementation and chelation therapy.

Specimen Types

  • Serum.
  • Plasma (EDTA, heparin).

Measurement Methods

  • Two-site chemiluminescent immunometric assay.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • Immunoturbidimetric assay.

Test Preparation and Influencing Factors

  • No fasting required.
  • Acute phase reactant: elevated in inflammation, infection, liver disease, malignancy.
  • Daily variation and menstrual cycle phase minimally affect results.
  • Recent iron supplementation or blood transfusion elevates levels.

Synonyms

  • Serum ferritin.

Further Reading

  • Ferritin Blood Test – MedlinePlus;