A Ferritin test measures the level of ferritin, an iron-storage protein, in your blood. Ferritin reflects your body’s total iron reserves and is the most sensitive early indicator of iron deficiency.
What This Test Measures
Ferritin:
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside cells and releases it when your body needs it. Blood ferritin levels closely reflect total body iron stores.
• Low ferritin indicates depleted iron stores
• High ferritin may indicate excess iron or inflammation
Reference Ranges
Adult Men: 30-400 ng/mL
Adult Women: 15-150 ng/mL (premenopausal); 30-400 ng/mL (postmenopausal)
Optimal ferritin for symptom resolution is often considered 50-100+ ng/mL, though individual needs vary. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider.
Who Should Consider This Test
• Anyone with symptoms of iron deficiency:
– Fatigue and weakness
– Pale skin
– Shortness of breath
– Dizziness
– Cold hands and feet
– Brittle nails
– Restless leg syndrome
– Hair loss
• Women with heavy menstrual periods
• Vegetarians and vegans
• Frequent blood donors
• People with digestive conditions affecting absorption (celiac, IBD, gastric bypass)
• Athletes, especially endurance athletes
• Those investigating causes of anemia
• People with suspected iron overload (hemochromatosis)
Why Ferritin Matters
Ferritin drops before hemoglobin and hematocrit become abnormal. You can have symptoms of iron deficiency with:
• Normal hemoglobin (no anemia yet)
• Normal iron levels
• But LOW ferritin (depleted stores)
Testing ferritin catches iron deficiency earlier than a standard CBC.
Important Note
Ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant, meaning it rises with inflammation, infection, or liver disease – even when iron stores are normal or low. If ferritin is elevated, additional testing may be needed.
How It Works
1. Order your test online – no doctor visit required
2. Visit any Quest Diagnostics location nationwide
3. Simple blood draw takes approximately 5 minutes
4. Results delivered to your secure portal within 1-2 business days
Preparation
No fasting required, though some providers recommend fasting for consistency.
Related Tests to Consider
• Iron, Total – Measures circulating iron
• TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) – Assesses iron transport capacity
• CBC with Differential – Evaluates for anemia
• Transferrin Saturation – Percentage of iron transport capacity being used
Why Choose Wittmer Rejuvenation Clinic
At $24, our Ferritin test is competitively priced compared to typical hospital charges. We partner with Quest Diagnostics for reliable, CLIA-certified laboratory testing with convenient locations across all 50 states.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.