FERRITIN

Description

  • Male- 22-322 ng/dl
  • Female – 10-292 ng/dl

Clinical significance

  • Ferritin is an iron molecule bound to apoferritin , a protein shell. Most of the stored iron is in the form of ferritin. Iron is essential for the production of RBCs. Ferritin remains in the body tissues until it is needed for erythropoiesis. When needed, the iron molecule is released from the apoferritin shell and bind to transferrin, which is a circulating plasma protein that transports iron to erythropoietic cells.
  • Serum ferritin is analysed along with serum iron ,iron binding capacity and tissue iron stores to diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic infection, thalassemia, hemochromatosis ( iron overload associated with organ injury)
  • To distinguish iron deficiency due to low iron stores from low iron utilization
  • Levels of ferritin declines very early in the development of iron deficiency long before changes are observed in Hb concentration, RBC size and serum iron concentration.
  • Ferritin is most sensitive test for iron deficiency cases, when Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is not increased (pregnancy ,infancy)or there is no vitamin C deficiency

When to get tested

  • When there are s/s of Iron deficiency anaemia( Fatigue, dizziness, Head ache , pallor , weakness)
  • s/s of Iron overload ( Fatigue , joint pain , Weight loss, lack of energy, Abdominal pain , loss of sex drive , organ damage such as in heart and liver)
  • Low Haemoglobin and Haematocrit on a Complete Blood Count 

Elevated level

  • Haemochromatosis – a rare genetic disease in which the body absorbs too much of iron , even on a normal diet.
  • Repeated blood Transfusions

Decreased level

  • Iron deficiency anaemia
  • Reduced Iron consumption
  • Body is unable to absorb iron from foods ( Eg : celiac diseases)
  • Increased need of Iron - pregnancy , childhood
  • Chronic Blood loss – Peptic ulcer , colon Cancer

Profile

Anaemia

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