Basic Information About Blood Test Serum Ferritin Level

Serum ferritin level blood test is frequently performed along with some other related tests such as  Complete Blood Count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Serum Iron, TIBC, UIBC and Transferrin, Iron Tests, Zinc Protoporphyrin, Soluble Transferrin Receptor.

Ferritin is a protein inside your cells that stores iron. It allows your body to use the iron when it needs it. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood.

The amount of ferritin in the blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body. Iron is needed to make healthy red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to body tissues.

Symptoms of iron levels that are too low include:

• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart beat

Symptoms of iron levels that are too high can vary and tend to get worse over time. Symptoms may include:

• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of energy
• Weight loss

You may also need this test if you have restless legs syndrome, a condition that may be related to low iron levels.

Your provider may recommend this test if you have signs or symptoms of anemia due to low iron. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.

Symptoms common to many types of anemia include the following:

• Easy fatigue and loss of energy
• Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise
• Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness
• Pale skin
• Leg cramps
• Insomnia

A higher-than-normal ferritin level may be due to:

• Liver disease due to alcohol abuse
• Any autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Frequent transfusion of red blood cells
• Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)

A lower-than-normal level of ferritin occurs if you have anemia caused by low iron levels in the body. This type of anemia may be due to:

• A diet too low in iron
• Heavy bleeding from an injury
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Poor absorption of iron from food, medicines, or vitamins
• Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.