Ferritin Blood Test
Iron is an essential trace element that is found in hemoglobin, the red blood cell protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels drop too low, your body cannot make enough hemoglobin to produce all the red blood cells it needs. As a result, you may become anemic, which may cause you to feel tired and short of breath. Over time, if left untreated, anemia may worsen and lead to additional symptoms.
This test measures your levels of ferritin: a protein that stores iron in your cells. While it’s important to test your iron levels, a ferritin test is also valuable because it measures your iron stores. Your iron stores can become depleted when your iron intake is not sufficient due to the inability to absorb iron from your food (e.g., celiac disease), or if you have an increased need for iron (e.g., with chronic blood loss). Higher than normal iron and ferritin levels occur when the body absorbs more iron than is needed, which may be a sign of a health problem.
A complete blood count (CBC) may help to determine if you have a normal or decreased number of red blood cells. For individuals with anemia, Iron, TIBC (total iron binding capacity), Ferritin, Vitamin B12, and Folate test can help to rule out common deficiencies that can cause anemia by affecting the production of red blood cells.
Preparation
No special preparation.
Why Consider This Test
Common Disorder
Anemia affects more than 3 million Americans. At first, anemia can go unnoticed, but symptoms often occur as the condition persists.1
Diet Concerns
If anemia is present and is caused by iron deficiency, a change to an iron-rich diet can help alleviate the symptoms.2
Increased Risk
Those at greater risk for developing iron-deficiency anemia are:3
Women during their reproductive years (because they lose blood during menstruation). Vegetarians because iron from grains and vegetables is not as readily absorbed as iron from meat. Mothers who may be consuming less than the daily amount of iron recommended while pregnant or nursing.2
References
- “Anemia.” The American Society of Hematology, https://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/.
- “Anemia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360.
- “Iron-Deficiency Anemia/Risk Factors.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.
How To Get This Test
1. Choose your tests
Shop for tests and pay online. An independent physician will review and approve your test requests; no doctor’s visit is required.
2. Provide Your Sample
Take the requisition number we emailed you, along with a photo ID, to a Labcorp location for sample collection.
3. Access your results online
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp OnDemand account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by PWN health via phone or mail.
Getting My Results
We've made getting your results easier and more convenient than ever. View your easy-to-read results online in your Pixel by Labcorp account. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail. To view a sample report click the "sample report" button below.
