Ferritin, Serum
Use
Ferritin is a major iron storage protein in the body. The concentration of ferritin in serum is directly proportional to the total iron stores in the body. Serum ferritin is common in evaluating iron status, aiding in the diagnosis of iron deficiency, iron overload conditions, and differentiating between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. It is used as a tool to monitor the effects of iron therapy, although chronic inflammation can result in elevated ferritin levels that do not reflect true iron stores.
Special Instructions
For 12 hours before specimen collection, patients should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7). Consider Hereditary Hemochromatosis Algorithm for testing situations where additional tests might be added.
Limitations
Serum ferritin concentrations may not always accurately reflect iron stores due to its nature as an acute phase reactant. Elevated ferritin may occur in conditions like inflammation, liver disease, and chronic infections, potentially leading to diagnostic confusion. Additionally, ethnic background may influence baseline ferritin levels, and its role as an acute phase reactant means high levels could mask iron deficiency in the presence of inflammation.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 20567-4
- 20567-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 12 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 365 days |