Ferritin

Ferritin is an iron-storage protein, and the amount circulating in the blood closely mirrors how much iron the body has in reserve, which is why it is regarded as one of the most useful single markers of iron status. A low ferritin level is associated with depleted iron stores and is a common finding when investigating iron-deficiency anaemia, while the test is also used to keep track of iron status in people who are supplementing iron or who have…

Because symptoms such as persistent tiredness, reduced exercise tolerance, hair thinning or pale skin can be linked with low iron, ferritin is frequently included when a doctor is working up these complaints, often alongside a complete blood count and a serum iron measurement for a fuller picture. It is worth noting that ferritin can also rise with inflammation, so clinicians interpret the result in context rather than in isolation. The test needs only a…