Why is this procedure done?
A ferritin test checks the iron stores in your body. Iron is used to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to all parts of your body. You get iron from your diet in foods like green leafy vegetables and red meat. Your body stores it as ferritin. It is stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Measure how much iron is stored in your body
- Learn more about other illnesses, like iron overload or anemia
- Monitor drug treatments that have a risk of bleeding
- Check your nutrition status
- Go along with other tests to check your iron levels
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if your level is too high or too low.
- If the results are normal, it means you likely have the right amount of iron in your body.
- If the results are not normal, you may have a problem with your iron levels or some other illness.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- You may need to stop eating and drinking before your test for 8 to 12 hours. Ask your doctor for exact instructions.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal supplements.
- Any bleeding problems
- If you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. These may affect your ferritin test results.
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see your iron level. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results. They will take at least 1 to 3 days.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your iron level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ferritin/tab/test ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_ferritin.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚