Ferritin (Serum or Plasma) – Quantitative Measurement
This test measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in your body. Ferritin levels can help assess your iron stores and identify conditions related to iron deficiency or excess.
["Ferritin helps diagnose iron-related health issues by checking your body’s iron reserves."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74741-0
- Short code
- Deprecated vanB Bld Pos Ql Prb Mag
- Synonyms
- Deprecated vanB Bld Pos Ql Prb Mag
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-mag-capture
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order a ferritin test to evaluate whether you have low iron (iron deficiency) or high iron (hemochromatosis). It can also be used to monitor iron levels during treatment for conditions like anemia or blood disorders. Sometimes, it’s checked alongside other tests to guide decisions about supplements or further medical care.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted, but the procedure usually takes just a few minutes. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis to measure ferritin concentration.
What Are Common Results?
Results are not provided with specific numeric ranges here, as they can vary by lab and individual health. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your overall health and symptoms.
What Might High or Low Levels Mean?
High ferritin levels may suggest iron overload (hemochromatosis) or other conditions like liver disease or chronic inflammation. Low ferritin levels often indicate iron deficiency, which can cause fatigue, weakness, or anemia. Your doctor will discuss these findings with you based on your medical history and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Ferritin is a key biomarker for diagnosing and managing iron metabolism disorders. It reflects your body’s iron stores and can help identify conditions like anemia, hemochromatosis, or inflammatory diseases. While ferritin is not always definitive on its own, it often guides further testing or treatment plans, such as blood transfusions, iron supplements, or lifestyle adjustments.
Short name
Ferritin
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my ferritin test results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Will I experience any discomfort during the blood draw?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy