Ferritin

This lab test is useful in the diagnosis of hypochromic, microcytic anemias. Decreased in iron deficiency anemia and increased in iron overload.

Ferritin is a type of protein which contains iron and is the main form in which iron is stored in cells. Most of the iron that is absorbed through the intestines from diets is needed in the production and maintenance of health red blood cells (RBC) to make hemoglobin. The rest of the iron is stored at ferritin in cells in the liver and bone marrow. The blood test measures the amount of ferritin in the blood and is used to asses the body’s iron stores. It is typically ordered along with an iron and total iron binding capacity test to detect iron deficiency, which can lead to microcyic anemia, or iron overload.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Chronic fatigue/tiredness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Pallor
• Symptoms of iron overload