Accessibility links
|
|
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
Age <5 years: 12 - 56
Age 5 - 15 years: 15 - 56
Female 16+ years: 100 - 310
Male 16+ years: 100 - 340
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
Interpretation of under 16 ranges
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.
Interpretation of adult ranges
<15 µg/L: Consistent with absolute iron deficiency
15-30 µg/L: Indicative of low body iron stores
30-100 µg/L: Indeterminate ferritin
Male
100-340 µg/L: Normal ferritin
>340 µg/L: High ferritin
Female
100-310 µg/L: Normal ferritin
>310 µg/L: High ferritin
