Ferritin what is it

It can help your health care provider find out if your body has the right amount of iron to stay healthy. Symptoms of iron levels that are too high can vary and tend to get worse over time. Symptoms may include:. You may also need this test if you have restless legs syndrome , a condition that may be related to low iron levels.

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.

This usually takes less than five minutes. Your health care provider may ask you to fast not eat or drink for 12 hours before your test. The test is usually done in the morning. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your test, talk to your health care provider. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Lower than normal ferritin levels may mean you have iron deficiency anemia or another condition related to low iron levels.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia, a disorder in which your body doesn't make enough red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia can cause heart problems, infections, and other health issues. Higher than normal ferritin levels can mean you have too much iron in your body.

Conditions that cause increased iron levels include liver disease , alcohol abuse , and hemochromatosis , a disorder that can lead to cirrhosis , heart disease , and diabetes. If your ferritin results are not normal, it does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment.

Abnormal results may indicate an underlying issue, such as iron deficiency, hemochromatosis, or some types of cancer. Further testing is typically necessary to confirm a diagnosis and help formulate a treatment plan. If people are confused about the results of their ferritin blood test, they should follow up with their doctor, who can explain the results and their implications.

Iron is a vital mineral in the body, central to transporting oxygen around the body in the hemoglobin. A shortage of iron can cause health problems…. Learn about restless legs syndrome, including common causes, treatments, and home remedies.

This article contains the best tips on relieving symptoms. For some types of blood tests, a person may need to fast beforehand. In this article, learn about fasting for blood tests. Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition caused by high levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments…. Iron overload disorders, including hemochromatosis, cause the body to absorb too much iron. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here. What to know about ferritin blood tests for anemia Medically reviewed by J.

Keith Fisher, M. Ferritin blood test Results Increasing ferritin Lowering ferritin Procedure How to prepare Summary Ferritin is a protein in blood cells that stores iron. What is a ferritin blood test? Share on Pinterest A ferritin blood test can help a doctor diagnose conditions related to high or low iron levels. What do the results mean? Share on Pinterest Low ferritin levels can cause headaches and pale skin. How to increase low ferritin levels.

How to lower high ferritin levels. Share on Pinterest A doctor may recommend phlebotomy to treat high ferritin levels. How to prepare for the test. This indicates that you have iron deficiency.

You might also be anemic. If your ferritin level is low, your doctor will work to determine the cause. A higher than normal ferritin level can be seen in several conditions. However, diagnosis of these conditions might require additional testing based on your symptoms and physical examination.

If your ferritin level is above normal, your doctor might need to evaluate the results with those of other tests to determine next steps. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Sections for Ferritin test About. Overview A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. More Information Adult Still's disease Iron deficiency anemia. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.