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Ferritin Blood Test

Measure the amount of ferritin in your blood

Ferritin Blood Test
  • Check your iron levels
  • Accurate results
  • Same-day appointment
Pricing From £71
Consultation duration 20 mins
Professional Professional
Next Steps Consultation
Results 24 hours
A ferritin blood test is recommended when your doctor suspects that you may have an abnormal blood ferritin level. This could indicate that your body’s iron stores are low (known as anaemia) or higher than average, which has a number of causes.

Private Ferritin Test

Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron. It is used to determine how much iron your body is storing.
It is also known as an acute phase reactant. This means that, during inflammation, the body’s ferritin levels will go up. This is why ferritin levels can be high in people with liver disease or cancer types, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

What do my ferritin levels mean?

Should your ferritin blood test reveal that your blood ferritin level is lower than expected, it may indicate that your body’s iron stores are low and that you have an iron deficiency. This could mean that you are anaemic.

Symptoms of low ferritin could include:

  • Unexplained Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Chronic Headaches
  • Unexplained Weakness
  • Ringing In Your Ears
  • Irritability
  • Leg Pains
  • Shortness Of Breath

If your ferritin blood test shows ferritin levels higher than expected, it could indicate that you have an underlying condition that causes your body to store too much iron.

It may also indicate liver disease, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions. Some cancers may also increase your blood ferritin level.

Symptoms of excess ferritin could include:

  • Stomach Pain
  • Heart Palpitations or Chest Pains
  • Unexplained Weakness
  • Joint Pain
  • Unexplained Fatigue

The most likely causes of elevated ferritin levels are inflammation, obesity, and daily alcohol intake. The most common cause of genetic-related high ferritin levels is the condition hemochromatosis.

What are normal ferritin blood levels?

On average, the expected levels of ferritin are:

  • 20 to 500 nanograms/millilitre in men
  • 20 to 200 nanograms/millilitre in women

The testing process for a ferritin blood test

In some instances, your health care professional may ask you not to eat for at least 12 hours before your ferritin blood test, as it is believed that the test is more accurate when it is performed in the morning after you haven’t eaten for a while.

A Ferritin Blood Test is a usual blood test where your health care provider will take a small blood sample. The process only lasts around five minutes.

Should you wish to learn more about our ferritin blood tests, don’t hesitate to contact us via our contact form or telephone number.

Blood tests are ordered by the doctor as needed, based on the patient’s symptoms and concerns. Occasionally alternate or additional tests may be required for accurate diagnosis.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What exactly does a Ferritin Blood Test measure and why is it important?

It is a diagnostic procedure that measures the level of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that plays an important role in iron storage in the body. This test helps in diagnosing various conditions related to iron metabolism. Elevated ferritin levels can indicate conditions such as hemochromatosis (excessive iron storage) or inflammation, while low levels are often a sign of iron deficiency anaemia. This test is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and management of these conditions, as well as for monitoring the body’s response to treatments related to iron disorders.

Are there specific preparations required for the test and what does the procedure involve?

No special preparations are required for this test. The procedure itself is straightforward and quick, involving the collection of a small blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm. The process is typically painless, aside from a slight prick when the needle is inserted. The collected blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. You need to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can influence ferritin levels.

How can I interpret the results of a Ferritin Blood Test and what do they mean about my health?

The interpretation of Ferritin Blood Test results should be done by a qualified healthcare professional, as the normal range can vary based on age, gender, and the specific laboratory methods used. Results are categorized as low, normal, or high. Low ferritin levels typically indicate iron deficiency, which can lead to anaemia and symptoms like fatigue and weakness.

High ferritin levels might suggest conditions such as iron overload, liver disease, chronic infections, or certain types of cancer. Ferritin levels can also be influenced by factors other than iron status, such as inflammation or liver health.

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