Is your body deficient in iron? Let's find out with the Ferritin Test!

Do you just feel tired all the time, lethargic? Do you sometimes feel dizzy, and do you look a little pale? One of the reasons for these things could be a decrease in the level of iron in your body. So, one important test to find out exactly about this iron level is the Ferritin Test. Let's see what it is, why it is done, and what we can learn from it.

Simply put, what is Ferritin?

Think of it this way: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in our bodies. It's like a storage room in our house. When the body doesn't need iron, it stores it in this storage room. When it needs it, it takes it out and uses it.

So, by looking at the ferritin levels in your blood, you can get a clear idea of ​​how much iron is stored in our bodies.

• Low ferritin levels mean: Your body's iron stores are depleted. This means your iron reserves are low.
• High ferritin levels mean: Your body has more iron stored than it needs.

Why is a doctor asking you to do this test?

A doctor will usually order a ferritin test for a number of reasons. For example, if your Complete Blood Count (CBC) shows a low hemoglobin or hematocrit value, they will order this test next.

Additionally, if you are at risk of iron deficiency, it means:

• If you are pregnant.
• If you have excessive bleeding during menstruation.
• If you have any other medical condition.

Or, if you are showing symptoms of low or high iron levels, your doctor may recommend this test.

What are the symptoms of low or high iron levels?

Let's see what these characteristics are. It will be easier for you to understand them in a table.

How do you do this test?

This is very simple, nothing to worry about. It's just like a regular blood test. It takes less than five minutes.

Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the test. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor for clarification.

What happens when blood is drawn?

1. You will be made to sit in a chair.

2. A nurse or medical officer will find a good vein to draw blood from on the inside of your arm, below the elbow.

3. Once the vein is found, the area is thoroughly cleaned and an antiseptic is applied.

4. Then, a small needle is used to draw some blood from the vein. You may feel a slight prick at this time.

5. A little blood is collected in a test tube.

6. After enough blood has been collected, the needle is removed and a piece of cotton is placed in the area and pressed.

7. A plaster is applied over it. That's it, the job is done!

How does the test report come out?

You can usually get the report in a day or two. It may take a little longer. The doctor will call you and tell you about the report, or ask you to come in to see the report.

The report usually contains things like this:

• The name of the test (it will say Ferritin).
• The value measured in your blood sample.
• The normal range according to that lab.
• A chart showing whether your value is low or high above the normal range.

What are normal ferritin levels?

These reference ranges can vary slightly from lab to lab, so it's the normal range on your report that matters. But in general, these are the normal ranges.

Ferritin levels in newborns and babies under 6 months of age vary greatly, so ask your pediatrician about this.

What does low ferritin mean?

If your ferritin level is lower than normal and your red blood cell count is also low, we call this condition iron-deficiency anemia . There are several common causes for this:

• Not eating enough iron-rich foods.
• Your body is not absorbing iron properly from the food you eat.
• Excessive bleeding (e.g. during menstruation, due to stomach or intestinal ulcers).
• Pregnancy.
• Donate blood frequently.

If your ferritin level is low, your doctor may order a few more blood tests, such as serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).

What does high ferritin mean?

One of the main causes of elevated ferritin levels is a condition called hemochromatosis , which is when too much iron is stored in the body.

Additionally, ferritin levels can also increase due to inflammation in the body. These inflammatory conditions can be caused by things like autoimmune diseases or infections.

Other causes of increased ferritin:

• Chronic diseases such as kidney disease and diabetes.
• Cancer conditions (especially blood or liver cancer).
• Liver damage due to factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and fatty liver disease.

Should I be worried if my report score is abnormal?

Sometimes, results can vary due to a temporary medical condition or a test error. If your report is abnormal, your doctor will explain it to you. He or she may also order additional tests to determine the exact cause.

The important thing is that many conditions that cause low or high iron levels can be managed with medication and dietary changes . So don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about this. He or she is there to help you.