Is there such a thing as a serum ferritin test?
Yes, ferritin is also known as serum ferritin. What is a Ferritin test? A ferritin test is a blood test that helps your doctor to measure the amount of the protein ferritin present in your blood. The test helps your doctor to understand whether your ferritin levels are low or normal.
What to do if your ferritin level is high?
For elevated ferritin levels, your doctor may prescribe other blood iron tests or a TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) test that measures the amount of transferrin in your blood. High ferritin levels require continuous treatment, medication and blood tests to maintain a normal level.
When does the body need to release ferritin?
Whenever our body needs more red blood cells, ferritin is released which then combines with another protein called the transferrin. Transferrin carries ferritin to replenish the iron to form new red blood cells. The body needs to have a normal store of ferritin that will be used by the body from time to time.
What should serum transferrin saturation be for elevated ferritin?
A normal serum transferrin saturation (ideally fasting) usually excludes iron overload (where it is raised) and suggests a reactive cause for raised ferritin. Consider HFE mutation screen for hereditary haemochromatosis in individuals with elevated ferritin and a raised transferrin saturation >45%.
What should my serum ferritin level be for iron overload?
Patients with mildly increased ferritin levels (300-1000 µg/L) in whom iron overload is unlikely (that is, normal transferrin saturation) and other causes (such as liver disease, inflammatory disorders) are not evident
How much does a ferritin test cost in India?
The test can cost anywhere between Rs 400 to Rs 1200 depending on the city, laboratory, and quality of the test. What is the normal range of Ferritin? The chart above shows the normal range of ferritin in a healthy body.