What is ferritin test used for

Here are 10 signs and symptoms that you're deficient in iron. The average American gets all the iron they need from the food they eat. Pregnant women and people with certain conditions sometimes need extra iron. Iron is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in many bodily functions.

Here are 21 iron-rich plant foods for vegetarians and vegans. Iron is essential for good health, but many people are deficient in it. The foods you eat can influence how much iron your body ends up absorbing. Iron is an essential mineral, but ingesting too much can cause severe harm.

This is a detailed review of the harmful effects of too much iron. When your child stops breastfeeding or switches to solid foods, they might not be eating enough iron-rich foods. This can put them at risk for iron…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Ferritin Level Blood Test. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What is a ferritin test?

Your body relies on iron in red blood cells to carry oxygen to all its cells. What is ferritin? Purpose of a ferritin test. This indicates that you have iron deficiency. You might also be anemic. If your ferritin level is low, your doctor will work to determine the cause.

A higher than normal ferritin level can be seen in several conditions. However, diagnosis of these conditions might require additional testing based on your symptoms and physical examination.

If your ferritin level is above normal, your doctor might need to evaluate the results with those of other tests to determine next steps. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Ferritin test About. The test is usually done in the morning. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your test, talk to your health care provider.

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. Lower than normal ferritin levels may mean you have iron deficiency anemia or another condition related to low iron levels. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia, a disorder in which your body doesn't make enough red blood cells.

Iron deficiency anemia can cause heart problems, infections, and other health issues. Higher than normal ferritin levels can mean you have too much iron in your body. Conditions that cause increased iron levels include liver disease , alcohol abuse , and hemochromatosis , a disorder that can lead to cirrhosis , heart disease , and diabetes.

If your ferritin results are not normal, it does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Certain medicines can decrease or increase your ferritin levels. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

The most common cause of genetic-related elevated ferritin levels is the condition hemochromatosis. Especially in this Covid 19 pandemic, ferritin levels have a significant prognostic value. Higher the ferritin, the worse is the prognosis. However, one ferritin value is not enough to determine. It has to show a serially rising trend which could even denote cytokine storm.