Ferritin Blood Test in Pune

A ferritin test measures the amount of a blood protein called ferritin, which stores iron.

Doctors order a ferritin test if other blood tests point to possible anemia, which can lead to a lack of oxygen in your blood. It can show if there is too much or too little iron in your body. Doctors can also use it to diagnose restless legs syndrome and Still’s disease in adults (a rare type of arthritis with fever and rash).

Low iron could be the cause if you:

• Often feel dizzy, weak, and tired
• Have headaches
• Look pale
• Are short of breath
• Have a rapid heartbeat

You may also have strange cravings for licorice, chalk, dirt, or clay. You may feel a burning sensation on your tongue.

If left unchecked, low levels of iron can cause heart failure (when your heart doesn’t pump blood to your body as well as it should). It can also cause these symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Leg pain
• Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus

A ferritin blood test can also help your doctor figure out whether your body is storing too much iron. High levels may point to alcohol abuse, infection, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, overactive thyroid, or some types of cancer.

Symptoms of high iron levels vary and can include:

• Exhaustion
• Heart problems
• Joint pain
• Loss of body hair
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of energy

Causes of Low Ferritin Blood Levels

If your results are lower than normal, you might have iron deficiency and possibly anemia. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements or order more blood tests to figure out the cause.

Causes of High Ferritin Blood Levels

Higher than normal results mean your body is storing too much iron. Your doctor may adjust your diet or supplements. Since high iron is a symptom of other medical issues, you may have more tests to pinpoint the cause, such as:

• Hemochromatosis
• Porphyria
• Rheumatoid arthritis or another ongoing inflammatory problem
• Liver disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Leukemia
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• You’ve had several blood transfusions
• Alcohol abuse
• You’ve taken too many iron supplements

Frequently Asked Questions