Ferritin (Iron) Blood Test

Anaemia is a condition when the body has reduced iron levels to bound to protein in the blood, leading to reduced overall ferritin levels. Suitable iron levels are essential for the healthy functioning of the body's system. 

Symptoms of anaemia include:

• Fatigue
• Difficulty waking up
• Tiredness
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Cold outer limbs (hand and feet)
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Lack of energy

• Paleness

The blood in our body is composed of red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen to the body tissues via the circulatory system. These red blood cells primarily contain a protein called haemoglobin, formed by iron/ ferritin.  Iron is an essential mineral required by the body in minute quantities everyday. Iron deficiency is the lack of iron in the body. The lack of iron/ ferritin in your body can thus make you feel exhausted and out of breath due to the reduced oxygen in the blood. Iron is also important for muscle growth, healthy hair and nails. An iron deficiency or anaemia can leave you feeling tired at work or home and is also shown to increase heart palpitations.

Iron can only be absorbed by the body from the food intake and hence, people with poor dietary habits or certain diseases may be prone to an iron deficiency or Anaemia.  

However, on the other hand, too much iron can also cause Iron toxicity. Hence, it is important to have the correct level of ferritin. Our special Ferritin Blood Test at Welzo, can be used to check the level of iron and ferritin in your blood. The reports can help you understand whether you need to consult a doctor, intake iron supplements or if you are following a healthy balanced diet.

What are the Symptoms of an Iron Deficiency?

If you are feeling one or more of the symptoms below then you may want to get a ferritin blood test:

1. Dizziness or light-headedness

2. Severe Exhaustion or feeling tired very often

3. Pale Skin

4. Weakness

5. Rapid heartbeat, palpitations 

6. Sore tongue or inflammation of the tongue

7. Hair loss

Ferritin Blood Tests

Ferritin blood tests measure the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Your doctor may order a ferritin blood test if you have signs or symptoms of an iron deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath. A ferritin blood test may also be ordered if you are being treated for anaemia.

What is ferritin?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your cells. It is found in almost every cell in your body, with the highest levels in your liver, bone marrow, and muscles. When your body needs iron, ferritin releases it into the bloodstream. Ferritin levels can be an indicator of how much iron is stored in your body.

The normal range for ferritin levels varies depending on your age and sex. For adults, the normal range is typically between 20 and 400 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). If your ferritin level is below the normal range, your doctor may recommend treatment with an iron supplement. If your ferritin level is significantly above the normal range, it may be a sign of a medical condition, such as hemochromatosis.

What do my ferritin blood test results mean?

Your doctor will look at your ferritin blood test results in the context of your symptoms and other lab tests. If your ferritin level is below the normal range, it may indicate that you have an iron deficiency. If your ferritin level is significantly above the normal range, it may be a sign of a medical condition, such as hemochromatosis.

If you have questions about your ferritin blood test results, talk to your doctor. They can help you interpret your results and decide if any further testing or treatment is necessary.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world and can lead to anaemia. It is particularly common in women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and young children. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Treatments for iron deficiency include dietary changes, supplements, and injections. If you think you might have iron deficiency, talk to your doctor. They can order a blood test to check your iron levels. If your levels are low, they can recommend treatment options that are right for you. If you have iron-deficiency anaemia, your doctor may prescribe supplements or recommend that you eat foods that are high in iron.

What happens when your ferritin levels are low?

Ferritin levels can tell you a lot about your body's iron levels. A low ferritin level is often a sign of anaemia. This may require treatment from a doctor. If your ferritin level is high, your doctor may tell you to stop taking your iron supplement. Keeping track of your ferritin level can help you and your doctor monitor how well you're responding to treatment for anaemia.

Anaemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When there aren’t enough red blood cells, the body doesn’t get enough oxygen. This can cause you to feel tired and weak. You may also look pale because your blood can’t carry as much oxygen. There are many different types of anaemia, including iron-deficiency anaemia, sickle-cell anaemia, and thalassemia. Each type has its own causes and symptoms.

There are many different types of anaemia, each with its own causes and symptoms. The most common type of anaemia is iron-deficiency anaemia, which occurs when there isn’t enough iron in the body. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells.

Anaemia can be a serious condition, but it’s often treatable. If you think you may have anaemia, talk to your doctor. They can diagnose the type you have and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Treatment for anaemia depends on the type you have. For example, if you have iron-deficiency anaemia, you may need to take supplements or eat foods that are high in iron. If you have sickle-cell anaemia, you may need to take medication to prevent pain and other complications.

Other types of anaemia include:

- sickle-cell anaemia, a hereditary condition in which red blood cells are misshapen and can’t carry oxygen properly

- thalassemia, another hereditary condition that affects how haemoglobin is made

- anaemia of chronic disease, which can occur with conditions such as cancer or kidney disease

- pregnancy-related anaemia, which is common in pregnant women due to the increased demand for iron during pregnancy

Anaemia can also be caused by bleeding, such as from a gastrointestinal ulcer or a menstrual period.