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Whole Blood Ferritin (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

Ferritin is a protein in your blood that stores iron. It helps your body manage iron levels and can reflect your overall iron reserves.

Quick summary

["Ferritin helps doctors check for iron deficiency or excess iron storage in your body."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
102696-2
Short code
Wheat Bran IgE RAST
Synonyms
Wheat Bran IgE RAST
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
rast
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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

What Is Ferritin Used For?

Ferritin is primarily used to assess iron status. Low levels may indicate iron deficiency anemia or other conditions affecting iron absorption or storage, such as chronic blood loss or certain medical conditions. High levels can suggest conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or inflammation.

How Is Ferritin Tested?

This test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is then analyzed in a lab to measure ferritin levels using an immunoassay method, which detects the protein in your bloodstream.

Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?

Your doctor may recommend a ferritin test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or shortness of breath, which could signal iron deficiency. It may also be checked during pregnancy, before surgeries, or if you have conditions like chronic kidney disease, celiac disease, or unexplained anemia.

What Does a Ferritin Test Tell You?

The ferritin test provides a snapshot of your body’s iron storage capacity. While it doesn’t directly measure iron in your red blood cells (like hemoglobin), it helps determine whether your iron stores are adequate or depleted.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Ferritin Levels and Health

Short name

Ferritin

Frequently asked questions

Why do some people experience fatigue or weakness even if their iron levels seem normal?
Fatigue or weakness can occur even with normal iron levels because ferritin reflects total body iron stores. Iron deficiency can develop gradually, and ferritin may not drop until iron stores are severely depleted. Other conditions, like inflammation or chronic illness, can also affect ferritin levels.
What are the most common causes of high ferritin levels?
High ferritin levels are often linked to iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis), chronic liver disease, or certain cancers. Inflammation or infections may also temporarily raise ferritin, though these causes are usually accompanied by other symptoms.
Can ferritin levels change with diet or supplements?
Yes, diet and iron supplements can influence ferritin levels. High iron intake (especially from supplements or certain foods) may increase ferritin over time, while low iron intake can lead to lower levels. However, ferritin is a measure of stored iron, not immediate iron needs in your bloodstream.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy