Ferritin Lab Values
Shownotes
Normal 20-300 ng/mL
Indications
- Diagnosing:
- Iron-deficiency anemiaH
- emochromatosis
- Monitor:
- Iron levels
Description
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. It is formed in the liver spleen and bone marrow. Ferritin in the blood is usually proportional to stored ferritin. Ferritin is a more sensitive and specific test for identifying iron-deficiency anemia, however, it is usually measured in conjunction with total iron binding capacity and iron.
What would cause increased levels?
- Inflammation
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Multiple blood transfusions
- Hemochromatosis
What would cause decreased levels?
- Long term Gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Heavy menstrual bleeding