Ferritin Overview

RightHealthRIGHTHEALTH

  • Summary
  • Definition
  • Considerations
  • Other Names
  • How the Test is Performed
  • How the Test will Feel
  • How to Prepare for the Test
  • Normal Results
  • Risks
  • What Abnormal Results Mean
  • Why the Test is Performed
  • References
Reviewed By Mark Levin, MD

Definition

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test measures the amount of iron in your blood.

The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.


Other Names

Serum ferritin level; Serum iron


How the Test is Performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through ...

Keep reading...

Encyclopedia: Ferritin

Wikipedia.orgWIKIPEDIA.ORG

Ferritin is a globular protein complex consisting of 24 protein subunits and is the main intracellular iron storage protein in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, keeping it in a soluble and non-toxic form. Ferritin which is not combined with iron is called apoferritin. The feritin protein consists of 24 protein subunits. In vertebrates, these are both the light and the heavy type with a molecular weight of 19 kDA or 21...
More at Wikipedia.org »

Yahoo! Answers

Yahoo! AnswersYAHOO! ANSWERS

What is the difference between serum ferritin and serum iron?
When people refer to low iron does that normally mean the serum iron or serum...

Can't really help without the units you are measuring your levels in but here goes........ Iron is needed to help form adequate numbers of normal red blood cells, which carry oxygen...

Asked by windyginge - 6 months ago

How long after having a cold should you wait to test ferritin levels.?
I am currently doing iron injections due to iron deficiency, and was told that a...

That is a tough question, actually. Any form of acute illness (infection..etc) can temporarily increase ferritin levels (as it is what is called an "acute phase reactant" like ESR or...

Asked by C B - 19 months ago


Related in the Kosmos

[?]