Ferritin Test
Related tests: Serum iron; TIBC
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron for later use by your body. The amount of ferritin in your blood stored reflects the amount of iron stored.
Iron is mainly stored in ferritin, but also in another protein caled haemosiderin. Ferritin and haemosiderin are present mostly in the liver, but also in the bone marrow, spleen, and muscles. Small amounts of ferritin also circulate in the blood. In healthy people, most iron is stored in ferritin (an estimated 70% in men and 80% in women) and smaller amounts are stored in haemosiderin.
If the iron levels in your body fall over a long period of time, these iron stores can become depleted.
Iron is mainly stored in ferritin, but also in another protein caled haemosiderin. Ferritin and haemosiderin are present mostly in the liver, but also in the bone marrow, spleen, and muscles. Small amounts of ferritin also circulate in the blood. In healthy people, most iron is stored in ferritin (an estimated 70% in men and 80% in women) and smaller amounts are stored in haemosiderin.
If the iron levels in your body fall over a long period of time, these iron stores can become depleted.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in your arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
If you don't know what a word or a medical term means, try the
Mondofacto Online Medical Dictionary
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