Ferritin Test - Understand Result
A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a blood cell protein that contains iron. The test is to determine your body’s total iron storage capacity.
Test Sample
Blood from arm vein.
Test Preparation
If your blood sample is being tested only for ferritin, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for additional tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
Results
The normal range for blood ferritin is:
- For men, 20 to 500 nanograms per milliliter
- For women, 20 to 200 nanograms per milliliter
Ferritin levels are often evaluated in conjunction with other iron tests. A summary of the changes in iron tests seen in various diseases of iron status is shown in the table below.
| Disease | Iron | TIBC/Transferrin | UIBC | %Transferrin
Saturation |
Ferritin |
| Iron Deficiency | Low | High | High | Low | Low |
| Hemochromatosis | High | Low | Low | High | High |
| Chronic Illness | Low | Low | Low/Normal | Low | Normal/High |
| Hemolytic Anemia | High | Normal/Low | Low/Normal | High | High |
| Sideroblastic Anemia | Normal/High | Normal/Low | Low/Normal | High | High |
| Iron Poisoning | High | Normal | Low | High | Normal |
* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.