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Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Ferritin

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. Your blood test measures how much iron your body is holding in reserve.

Quick summary

["Ferritin helps assess iron stores and detect conditions like anemia or iron overload."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
48235-6
Short code
D farinae LR-mCnc
Synonyms
D farinae LR-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order a ferritin test to check for iron deficiency, which can cause fatigue, weakness, or pale skin. It may also help diagnose conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or inflammation, where ferritin levels can rise.

What Does a Low Ferritin Level Mean?

Low ferritin suggests your body may not have enough stored iron, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. This might happen if you’re not eating enough iron-rich foods or if you have chronic blood loss.

What Does a High Ferritin Level Mean?

High ferritin levels often point to iron overload, which can damage organs over time. It may also appear in conditions like inflammation or certain cancers.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where ferritin is measured using a specialized test that detects its concentration in your blood.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Ferritin Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes ferritin levels to change?
Ferritin levels can be affected by diet, blood loss (such as heavy periods or bleeding ulcers), certain medications, or underlying health conditions like liver disease or cancer.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time.
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
You may eat and drink normally before the test, unless your doctor instructed otherwise. Avoiding alcohol or certain supplements (like iron or multivitamins) for a few days before testing may help ensure accurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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