Ferritin Blood Test: What It Shows and What It Does Not
Quick answer: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, so a ferritin test shows roughly how much iron your body has in storage. It is often the most sensitive iron marker, but inflammation can raise it, so it is read with other tests.
About this test
A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin holds iron inside your cells, and the amount in your blood reflects how much iron your body has stored.
Why is it ordered?
- Checking iron levels, often along with other iron tests.
- Looking at possible iron deficiency anemia or iron overload.
- Screening people at higher risk of low iron, such as those with heavy periods, pregnancy or poor absorption of food.
- Following iron treatment.
- Looking at causes of tiredness, shortness of breath or hair shedding.
What results may show
- A low ferritin can point to low iron stores or iron deficiency.
- A high ferritin can reflect iron overload, but it can also be raised by inflammation, infection, liver disease, alcohol use, obesity and other conditions.
What this test may not show
- It does not show why your iron is low or high.
- Inflammation can push ferritin up, so a normal result can hide low iron in some people.
- Some medicines can raise or lower ferritin.
- An abnormal result does not always mean treatment is needed. Review it with your provider.
How to prepare
- Some providers ask for fasting, especially when other tests are drawn at the same time. Morning draws are common.
- Follow the instruction given when you order, and tell your provider about iron supplements and medicines.
Where you can get this test
| Option | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Anemia Panel | $150 | Ferritin, iron, TIBC, B12, folate and the main blood count markers |
| Hair Loss Panel | $199 | CBC, ferritin, iron and TIBC, TSH, free T4, vitamin D, total testosterone, DHEA-S |
A doctor’s visit is not required to order. Order online, then visit our Buffalo Grove or Lake Zurich location for the sample. Review results with your own healthcare provider.
Related tests
- Iron and TIBC: An iron and TIBC test measures the iron circulating in your blood and how much iron your blood can carry.
- CBC: A CBC counts and sizes your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- Browse the full Lab Test Library
Frequently asked questions
What is ferritin?
A protein that stores iron in your cells. The blood level reflects your iron stores.
Does low ferritin always mean anemia?
No. Iron stores can be low before anemia develops. A CBC shows whether anemia is present.
Can ferritin be high even if I have too little iron?
Inflammation can raise ferritin, which can make results look better than iron stores really are. Your provider reads it with other tests.
Do I need to fast?
Some providers ask for it. Follow the instruction given when you order.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Rodion Levin, FNP-C, Founder and Medical Director. This page is for general education. It does not diagnose a condition or replace advice from your healthcare provider.
