FERRITIN
- Code
- 400.4690
- Name
- FERRITIN
- Category
- None
- Department
- Chemistry
- Start Date
- Expiration Date
- Synonyms
- FER
- CPT Codes
- 82728
- Site
- Main Lab
- Reference Test
Specimen Information
- Type
Gold, SST
- Volume
1.0 ml
- Transport Info
Refrigerated
48 hour stability- Fasting Required?
- False
- Patient Instructions
- Reference Range
Female: 6.24-137 ng/mL
Male: 17.9-464 ng/mL- Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Clinical Significance
Evaluate microcytic anemia, iron storage diseases, and iron metabolism.
Ferritin is found in serum in low concentrations and is directly proportional to the body's iron stores. In general, variations in total body iron stores will be reflected in the serum ferritin level. Serum ferritin levels are very helpful in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic infection, thalassemia, and hemochromatosis. Serum ferritin levels, however, can be nonspecifically elevated in patients with inflammation and or liver disease, regardless of iron stores. This is attributed to hepatocellular leakage of ferritin from damaged cells.