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Ferritin
(a.k.a Serum Ferritin)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml
Test Code: FER
Tube type: SST
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (pale green)
Special instructions
None
Reference ranges
Male reference range (≥16 years): 24 – 340 µg/L
Female reference range ((≥16 years): 11 – 310 µg/L
For children <16 years: A low ferritin <12 µg/L (age <5 years), or <15 µg/L (age 5+), indicates iron deficiency.
A normal ferritin result does not exclude iron deficiency and clinical correlation is required.
An elevated ferritin result is usually reactive.
Minimum retesting interval
Test should not be repeated within 42 days.
Units
µg/L
Linked to
Haematinics
Turnaround Time
2
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Ferritin is the main storage complex for iron in the body, and is found in the liver, bone marrow, spleen and muscles. The amount of ferritin circulating in the bloodstream can give an indication of the body stores of iron. However, ferritin may be elevated in a number of conditions, e.g. liver disease, autoimmune diseases and acute/chronic inflammation, and a ‘normal’ result does not necessarily exclude iron deficiency.
Webpage updated: July 2025
Links:
» Ferritin interpretation – a guide for GPs (Non-pregnant adults)
