What Is a Ferritin Blood Test For?
A ferritin blood test assesses your body's iron stores. It is the single most useful test for evaluating iron status.
Reasons for Testing
- Fatigue and weakness — rule out iron deficiency before anemia
- Heavy menstrual periods — monitor iron depletion
- Vegetarian/vegan diet — ensure adequate intake
- Chronic blood loss — GI bleeding
- Before/after iron supplementation — monitor response
- Hemochromatosis screening
- Athletic performance
- Pregnancy
Results Interpretation
- Below 12 ng/mL: depleted iron stores
- 12–20: low (may cause symptoms before anemia)
- 50–150: optimal functional range
- Above 300: inflammation, liver disease, or iron overload
Important
- Ferritin rises with inflammation regardless of iron stores
- Check CRP and transferrin saturation if inflammation suspected
Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.
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