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◉ What is ferritin blood test?
The ferritin test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of ferritin in the blood.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body and plays a crucial role in iron metabolism.
A ferritin blood test can help diagnose and monitor various conditions related to iron metabolism, such as iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer.
By measuring the levels of ferritin in the blood, healthcare providers can gain insights into an individual's iron stores.
◉ What is the importance of ferritin blood test?
The ferritin blood test is an important diagnostic tool used to assess iron levels in the body.
Measuring ferritin levels provides valuable information about an individual's iron stores and can help diagnose and monitor various conditions related to iron metabolism.
For example, if a ferritin test reveals that your blood ferritin level is lower than normal, it indicates your body's iron stores are low and you have iron deficiency. As a result, you could be anemic.
◉ How to prepare for the test
The preparation for the ferritin blood test is very simple and easy. You do not need to do anything special if ferritin is the only test you are having.
You can eat and drink normally before the test. However, if you are having other blood tests along with ferritin, you may need to fast for a certain period of time before the test.
You may also want to wear loose sleeves so that the lab technician can access your arm easily.
◉ Normal range of ferritin
The normal range of ferritin blood test depends on the age, gender, and other factors of the person being tested. However, the normal range for blood ferritin is generally between (24 to 336 micrograms per liter) for men and (11 to 307 micrograms per liter) for women.
◉ High levels of ferritin
High levels of ferritin in the blood, known as hyperferritinemia have various causes and symptoms, depending on the underlying condition.
◉ 1. Causes of high ferritin levels
- Iron overload disorders: Conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that leads to excessive iron absorption.
- Liver disease: Liver diseases like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis, or cirrhosis can cause elevated ferritin levels.
- Chronic inflammatory conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or chronic infections can lead to increased ferritin levels due to inflammation.
- Hemolytic anemia: Certain types of anemia characterized by the destruction of red blood cells can cause high ferritin levels as a result of increased iron release.
- Certain malignancies: Some cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia, can contribute to elevated ferritin levels.
- Grave's disease / Hyperthyroidism: Studies have shown that ferritin is higher in people with Graves' disease, and that it can decrease back to normal when normal thyroid function is achieved by antithyroid drug therapy
◉ 2. Symptoms of high ferritin levels
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Joint pain
- Abdominal pain.
- Liver dysfunction.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
◉ Low levels of ferritin
Low levels of ferritin in the blood, known as hypoferritinemia, which indicate your body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin typically associated with iron deficiency.
◉ 1. Causes of low ferritin levels
- Iron deficiency anemia: This condition occurs when there is insufficient iron available for the production of red blood cells. It can result from inadequate dietary iron intake, poor iron absorption, increased iron requirements (e.g., during pregnancy or growth), or chronic blood loss (e.g., from menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding).
- Malabsorption syndromes: Certain conditions affecting the absorption of nutrients, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, can impair iron absorption and contribute to low ferritin levels.
- Increased iron demand: Conditions like pregnancy, rapid growth during adolescence, or recovery from significant blood loss or surgery can increase the demand for iron and lead to low ferritin levels.
◉ 2. Symptoms of low ferritin levels
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Pale skin or pallor.
- Shortness of breath.
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Brittle nails and hair loss.
- Restless legs syndrome.
- Difficulty concentrating or mental fog.
- Cold hands and feet.
◉ Additional tests
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC provides information about the number and characteristics of different blood cells
2. Iron studies: Iron studies typically include several tests that assess different aspects of iron metabolism. These tests may include:
- Serum iron test, which measures the amount of iron in the blood.
- Transferrin test, which measures transferrin, a protein that moves iron throughout the body.
- Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), which measures how well iron attaches to transferrin and other proteins in the blood.
3. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): These tests measure markers of inflammation that may affect iron metabolism.
4. Genetic testing: In certain cases, genetic testing may be ordered to identify specific gene mutations associated with iron disorders, such as hereditary hemochromatosis or other rare iron-related genetic conditions.
◉ Conclusion
The ferritin test is a vital tool for evaluating iron status, diagnosing iron-related disorders, and monitoring chronic diseases. By measuring ferritin levels, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights into a patient's iron metabolism and make informed decisions regarding treatment and management.
It is essential to work closely with healthcare providers to accurately interpret ferritin blood test results and develop appropriate interventions to optimize iron levels and overall health.