Ferritin
Also known as: FERITN
Use
Ferritin is a key blood protein that contains iron and is an important marker for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia and iron overload conditions. It's useful in assessing changes in iron status in patients, particularly those with anemia of chronic disease, inflammation, or hemochromatosis. The test helps in evaluating iron metabolism and storage and can indicate the body's total iron reserves.
Special Instructions
Ensure the specimen is collected using a serum separator tube; plasma separator tubes are also acceptable. Heparin and EDTA tubes may be used if required. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.
Limitations
Hemolyzed samples may interfere with the test results, leading to inaccurate ferritin levels. The test can't distinguish between different causes of elevated ferritin levels, which can result from a variety of conditions including infection, inflammation, liver disease, or malignancy. Ferritin levels can also vary with age and sex and may not always reflect the absolute iron status without additional supporting iron studies.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20567-4
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Collect serum separator tube. Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature and separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 12 months |