Blood Test: Ferritin (Iron)

Ferritin Blood Test

What Is Ferritin?

Ferritin (FAIR-eh-tin) is the protein in the body that stores iron. The body needs iron to make red blood cells, so when ferritin levels are low, the body creates fewer red blood cells.

What Is a Ferritin Test and Why Is It Done?

A ferritin blood test measures the amount of ferritin to show how much iron is stored in the body. The test can show if a person has too little or too much iron.

Doctors might order a ferritin test if someone:

• Has symptoms of anemia (a low number of red blood cells), like being pale, dizzy, or tired
• Has heavy periods
• Has a low level of red blood cells based on other blood tests
• Has signs of too much iron, like liver problems
• Is more likely to have low iron, like athletes
• Is pregnant and might have a low level of iron

Top Things to Know

• The ferritin test checks the level of ferritin in the blood.
• The test results can show how much iron is in the body.
• Blood transfusions can alter the results of the ferritin test.
• Your doctor can explain what it means if the ferritin level is too low or too high.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a Blood Test?

Let your doctor know if your child has had a blood transfusion because that can affect the ferritin test.

To help kids get ready for a blood test, find out if they need to fast (not eat or drink) or should stop taking medicines before the test. Explain what to expect during the test. If your child is nervous about it, work together on ways to stay calm. Deep breathing or even imagining being in a place that makes your child feel safe and calm can help.

What Do Ferritin Test Results Mean?

Your doctor will explain what the results of the ferritin test mean for your child. The “normal” or average ferritin level varies based on things like age and gender. Endurance athletes (like cross-country runners) sometimes need higher ferritin levels to feel and perform their best.

Low Ferritin Levels

Low ferritin levels mean that there isn’t enough iron in the body. If someone has low levels of both ferritin and red blood cells, it might be iron-deficiency anemia. This could be due to things like not having enough iron in the diet, the body not absorbing iron the right way, or blood loss.

High Ferritin Levels

High ferritin levels could mean that the body has a lot of inflammation, which is often due to an illness. High levels might also mean the body has too much iron, or iron overload. This could be a sign of hereditary hemochromatosis (hee-muh-kro-muh-TOE-sus), which is a disease that causes the body to absorb and store more iron than it should. Ferritin levels might also be high in people who have many blood transfusions or other conditions. 

What Else Should I Know?

After kids have a ferritin test, they may need other blood tests. If you have questions about any tests or what the results mean, talk to your doctor.