Biomarker education

Ferritin: What It Measures & Why People Track It

Also called: Serum ferritin

Ferritin reflects the body's stored iron and is often ordered alongside other iron studies.

General biomarker education — not personalized medical advice. Learn more

Result on your report

Illustrative

Ferritin

Range: LowHigh

LowReference intervalHigh

What it generally measures

Labs measure the concentration of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in the blood.

Common units on reports: ng/mL

Why people track it over time

Ferritin is usually reviewed together with iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation as a group, since ferritin alone can also rise with inflammation unrelated to iron stores.

Changes over time do not by themselves establish a diagnosis. Learn more

Questions you might ask a healthcare professional

Questions to bring

Illustrative
Ask how ferritin fits with iron, TIBC, and transferrin saturation on this report.
Mention any recent inflammation or illness, since it can affect ferritin independent of iron stores.

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