Ferritin
Code:
FERS
Sample Type:
Serum (Gold Top)
Minimum volume: 1 mL
Ref Ranges/Units:
Male 30 – 400 μg/L
Female:
<60 years 15 – 150 μg/L
>60 years 15 – 200 μg/L
Turnaround:
Same Day
Stability:
48 hours at 20‑25°C
7 days at 2‑8°C
12 months at ‑20°C
Samples may be frozen twice
Special Precautions/Comments:
Additional Information:
Ferritin is an iron storage protein found in the liver, spleen, muscle, bone marrow and blood. Serum ferritin levels are reflective of total body iron. However, ferritin is an acute phase reactant which increases in the acute phase response. Therefore, ferritin may appear falsely high in inflammatory responses or condition.
Low serum ferritin levels are associated with iron deficiency. They should be interpreted in conjunction with a full blood count (FBC) in the investigation of iron deficiency anaemia.
High serum ferritin levels are associated with haemochromatosis, an inherited disorder of iron overload. Haemochromatosis results in deposition of excess iron into tissues, and therefore patients may present with cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, joint pain or tanned skin. Transferrin saturation is added if ferritin is high to rule out a falsely elevated result due to the acute phase response.
South of Tyne & Wear Pathology Centre
