1085. Ferritin

Ferritin is the main protein responsible for iron storage, reflecting its reserves in the body. Ferritin testing is one of the most sensitive methods for assessing iron metabolism and allows detection of both deficiency – even before the development of early asymptomatic changes – and overload. Unlike serum iron, the level of which fluctuates throughout the day, ferritin reflects long-term accumulation, making it a key indicator in the diagnosis of anemia, inflammatory, and chronic diseases.

At the same time, ferritin is an acute-phase protein, therefore its level may increase in the presence of inflammation regardless of the actual state of iron content.

Ferritin testing is recommended in the following cases:

• In the presence of anemia symptoms: fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, reduced performance.
• When latent deficiency is suspected: even with normal hemoglobin, since latent deficiency may gradually affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems, well-being, concentration, and the condition of skin and hair.
• To monitor the effectiveness of iron therapy: assessment of restoration of iron stores and adjustment of treatment.
• When overload is suspected: hemochromatosis or secondary accumulation in cases of frequent blood transfusions.
• For patients with chronic kidney, liver, and cardiovascular diseases. For women planning pregnancy and pregnant women – insufficient micronutrient stores may affect fetal health.

Ferritin testing is also recommended for donors, vegetarians, women with heavy menstruation, and athletes.

Ferritin testing is one of the important indicators in the comprehensive assessment of health status, allowing detection of both iron deficiency and excess, performing differential diagnosis of anemia, and optimizing treatment strategy.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: