A Ferritin Blood Test is an analysis that measures the level of iron and hemoglobin in the blood, which is a reason for detecting serious diseases that affect the blood, such as leukemia (blood cancer), and also to detect diseases of the organs that work to produce red blood cells, such as myeloma (bone marrow cancer) and spleen diseases, so it is necessary to know the conditions for performing the test and when to perform a Ferritin Blood Test. In this blog we will discuss what is the Ferritin Blood Test and What you can expect after the test.
What is a Ferritin Blood Test?
A Ferritin Blood Test is performed by drawing a small sample of blood and sending it to the laboratory for analysis. The level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body, is measured to estimate the total amount of iron in the blood. The Ferritin Blood Test may also include measuring levels of saturated iron and iron deficiency taken orally.
What is it used for?
A Ferritin Blood Test helps determine whether an individual’s body stores normal amounts of ferritin. It is usually evaluated at the time of a comprehensive liver function test or iron studies to investigate the causes of the symptoms that the individual shows. However, the result of the Ferritin Blood Test can be interpreted on its own. In addition to diagnosis, the Ferritin Blood Test can also be used to screen for and monitor certain health conditions, such as:
- Anemia: Low iron (Fe) levels can develop into iron deficiency anemia. Having low levels of iron in the body can negatively affect the production of red blood cells, which can hinder the ability to distribute oxygen to muscles and organs.
- Iron overload: Higher than normal levels of iron in the blood can lead to a condition known as hemochromatosis. The body does not have a natural outlet for iron; as a result, it is deposited on the outer tissues of organs such as the liver and pancreas. It can also cause damage to those organs.
- Liver disease: Iron is stored in large amounts in ferritin proteins in the liver. If the liver is diseased or damaged, this can lead to iron leaking into the bloodstream. Therefore, the ferritin test may reveal higher levels of ferritin, which can help diagnose liver disease due to alcohol abuse and hepatitis infection.
Aside from these conditions, a Ferritin Blood Test may also be able to link whether RLS and AOSD are caused by iron or ferritin deficiency.
Why do I need a ferritin blood test?
A Ferritin Blood Test is an important tool for diagnosing many health conditions associated with iron deficiency or excess. It can help detect problems such as:
- Iron deficiency: A low ferritin level indicates iron deficiency, which may occur as a result of inadequate absorption of iron from the diet or excessive iron loss such as heavy menstrual bleeding or chronic bleeding.
- Iron overload: A high ferritin level indicates iron overload, which may occur due to excessive absorption of iron from the diet or certain diseases that affect iron function in the body.
A Ferritin Blood Test helps doctors diagnose these conditions and direct the necessary treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms such as excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, or changes in skin color, a blood iron test may be necessary to determine the cause of these symptoms and treat them properly.
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What happens during a ferritin blood test?
Ferritin Blood Test involves using a blood sample for testing in the laboratory and providing a quantitative assessment of ferritin in it. The Ferritin Blood Test results show the ferritin levels obtained in relation to the normal ferritin count in the blood as a reference.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
Although the amount of ferritin in the blood is not affected by food consumption, other iron studies may require specific preparations. Whether or not an individual needs to fast before the test will be informed by the concerned doctor, depending on the requirements of the test.
Ferritin Blood Test is performed on a blood sample drawn from a vein in the forearm. Before blood is drawn from the arm, a band may be placed around the arm to create pressure and increase blood flow in the vein from where the blood will be drawn.
The arm may be cleaned with an antiseptic liquid or wiped before the needle is inserted. The blood is then drawn from the arm using a syringe and stored in a vial. The blood sample is sent for further testing in the laboratory.
Ferritin Blood Test Risks
The Ferritin Blood Test procedure does not pose any risk or danger. You may feel some discomfort or bruising at the site of needle insertion, but it will soon disappear.
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Ferritin Blood Test Results
Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency anemia or another condition related to low iron levels. A common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. It can cause heart problems, infections, delayed growth and cognitive development in children, and other health concerns if left untreated
Higher than normal ferritin levels may indicate that you have too much iron in your body. Conditions that can cause high iron levels include:
- Liver disease
- Alcohol use disorder
- Hemochromatosis
- Hyperthyroidism
If your ferritin levels are abnormal, it may not always indicate that you have a medical problem that requires treatment. Some medications can lower or raise ferritin levels. If you have any concerns about your results, talk to your doctor.
What do the results mean?
A Ferritin Blood Test may be given on a reference scale, which may vary from lab to lab. The reference range may indicate the normal ferritin level that would be expected in a person of the same sex, age, and overall health. As a general rule, ferritin is found in higher amounts in older people, males, and those taking oral contraceptives. Therefore, a may be best interpreted by a doctor who can determine what it means for a particular person.
The Ferritin Blood Test results are provided in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Ferritin normal range, which are considered normal for males and females, are provided below for reference.
- Males: 14.7 – 205.1 ng/ml
- Females: 30.3 to 565.7 ng/ml
Symptoms of low ferritin
A Ferritin blood test low level in the blood indicates iron deficiency, and then the body needs to reach the normal iron level to make the hemoglobin protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and helping the body grow and develop and complete the body’s vital metabolic processes and produce hormones. Symptoms of iron deficiency and anemia include:
- Headache
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
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Symptoms of high ferritin
A higher than normal ferritin level indicates a malfunction in the body’s storage of iron, which causes a number of the following health problems:
- Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that causes excessive accumulation of iron in the body, especially in the joints, liver, and heart.
- Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and liver disease
- Blood diseases such as leukemia.
Symptoms of high iron levels in the blood include:
- Lack of energy
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Damage to some organs such as the heart and liver
- Fatigue and exhaustion
How to treat high ferritin levels
High iron levels in the blood cannot be completely cured, but there are some treatments that may help alleviate symptoms or complications, including:
1.Blood withdrawal (Phleobotomy)
The process of withdrawing blood for donation is similar to that of withdrawing blood, where the patient lies on a chair, then blood is withdrawn from a vein in the arm through a syringe connected to a blood collection bag. Treatment through blood withdrawal is divided into two parts:
- Initial blood withdrawal: Blood is withdrawn weekly until the iron level in the blood stabilizes, and it usually takes several months to a year.
- Permanent blood withdrawal: At this stage, blood is withdrawn less frequently, i.e. between 2 – 4 times a year, and this continues for life.
2.Chelation therapy
Chelation therapy involves taking a medication that binds to iron in the blood and is excreted either in urine or stool, such as: Deferasirox, which is a medication given once a day, but research on this use still needs more support, but the doctor may prescribe it in a few cases where he believes that the positives outweigh the negatives.
Also, the chelation method is not the first choice for the doctor, but he may resort to it when it is difficult to draw blood due to raised or fragile veins.
3.Change your diet
You do not have to change your diet significantly if you are receiving any of the previous treatments, but there are some tips that may contribute to treating high iron in the blood, such as:
- Eating a balanced and healthy diet.
- Avoid taking supplements that contain iron and vitamin C.
- Refrain from eating raw oysters or shellfish, as they may contain bacteria that lead to infections in people with high iron in the blood.
- Be careful not to drink too much alcohol, as it may increase the iron level in the blood in addition to increasing pressure on the liver.
Should I be concerned if my ferritin level is abnormal?
Ferritin deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of some psychological problems, such as: mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, including irritability, apathy, and emotional instability. If the Ferritin Blood Test shows high ferritin levels, this often indicates swelling in the body, called inflammation
When should I call my doctor?
If you find that the blood test at home is abnormal or does not return to the normal indicator for both women and men, in this case you should consult a specialist doctor immediately, as a high or low rate may indicate the occurrence of a problem. At Lana Life Care, we offer you distinguished services regarding blood test for cancer, in addition to that we provide many other Home Health Care Services In Dubai such as
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ferritin blood test at home by Lana Life Care
At Lana Life Care, we realize how much patients care about privacy, so we offer professional Ferritin Blood Test services at home, and you will receive the result within a day or two. In addition, you can also obtain medical advice, and our services are not limited to that only, but you can also test your blood type at home. We also provide home physical therapy services such as, shoulder pain physiotherapy.
Conclusion
A Ferritin Blood Test is an important test to measure the level of iron in the blood, as iron is one of the essential minerals that the body needs to perform its functions properly. Iron plays an important role in transporting oxygen in the blood and supporting the growth of cells and tissues. It is important to know the level of iron in the blood to ensure that the body is getting enough of this vital mineral and to ensure your health and the health of your organs, as well as to detect blood diseases early if they exist to recover faster.
FAQ
Does ferritin blood test have other names?
Yes, there are many other names, including Serum iron test.
When should I worry about ferritin levels?
If you find the rate is too low or too high than the normal rate, you should consult a specialist.
