Blood is a bodily fluid and contains many cells and proteins. One of the major proteins that circulate in the blood is Ferritin. It is a complex protein that holds iron in the blood. Iron is responsible for several functions of blood, like oxygen-carrying capacity. Red blood cells need iron to develop and carry oxygen to different body parts. Therefore, proper storage of iron is very important. Read more Allergy Testing Suppliers in Abu Dhabi UAE
The amount of dissolved and stored iron in the blood can be estimated from the level of ferritin protein in the blood. Therefore, if the doctor suspects low iron or any other blood-related disease, he will suggest a ferritin test to the patient. The ferritin level and iron level should always be within the normal range. If it is too low or too high, it can indicate diseases and disorders.
What happens with fluctuations in Ferritin levels in blood?
A person might have low or high levels of Ferritin. In both cases, the patient could be suffering from health issues. A low level of Ferritin in the blood can indicate iron deficiency anaemia. When ferritin levels are low, stored iron in the blood is also low.
The low level of Ferritin detected in a ferritin test can also mean that the patient has fewer red blood cells. Low ferritin levels can arise from poor diet choices or blood loss due to injury. If your diet is right, but your body does not properly metabolise iron, then ferritin levels can go down.
Ferritin tests are recommended for adults and children in case of diet changes. Adults can also suffer from low iron and low ferritin condition if they suffer from tumours or ulcers. In females, heavy blood flow during menstruation can also lead to low ferritin levels. To know the exact level of Ferritin in the blood and the extent of iron deficiency, doctors suggest the Ferritin test.
High levels of Ferritin in the blood are also harmful. High levels of Ferritin in the blood can lead to bone health issues, joint damage, and damage to the pancreas and liver. High iron content in the blood often arises from a hereditary disease called hemochromatosis.
The build-up of high iron content and Ferritin can lead to chronic stomach and back pain. High levels of Ferritin can also indicate health conditions like Hyperthyroidism, Liver disease, and inflammatory diseases. A high level of Ferritin can also be a sign of cancer development in the patient.
What are the symptoms of ferritin fluctuation?
If you see the following symptoms and signs, go for a ferritin test under a complete blood profile.
- Pale and yellowish skin
- Tiredness and weakness
- Heavy menstrual cycle with high blood loss
- Blood in stool and from the abdomen
- Shortness of breath and chest pain
Other signs may require a ferritin test for proper diagnosis of the condition. The doctor might also suggest other blood tests for an in-depth examination of the disease. The doctor might suggest a serum iron level and complete blood count to determine your blood health. The total iron binding capacity and haemoglobin tests also determine the health of your erythrocytes. It is advisable to get the tests done by a reputed lab.
How does the ferritin test happen?
The ferritin test is done on the sample of the patient’s blood. The laboratory professional or phlebotomist collects your blood sample with a sterile intravenous syringe. The blood sample is stored in a clean vial and analysed for the ferritin protein levels. The ferritin test does not have any major risks.
The patient experiences a pricking sensation and no persisting pain during and after the test. There are no separate preparations for the test. However, the doctor might ask you to stop the intake of supplements or medicines for the duration of the test. The results of the ferritin test are available in a couple of days.
What do the results of the Ferritin test mean?
The results of the ferritin test are recorded in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) unit. The normal range of ferritin protein in blood is 24 to 336 ng/mL in adult males and 24 to 307 ng/mL in adult females. In newborn babies, the ferritin level is 25 to 200 ng/mL. Any value lower than normal can indicate iron deficiency.
Any value higher than normal can mean a surplus of iron in the blood. The doctor will interpret the test results in line with your age group and vital parameters. After the test result interpretation, the doctor will suggest a treatment approach and dietary changes to resolve the health problem.
Conclusion
The ferritin test usually costs rupees 500-700 at a reputed laboratory facility in India. When the test is part of a blood panel test, the cost is usually lower.
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