Ferritin

Clinical Notes

Ferritin testing measures the amount of ferritin that is circulating in the blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, an essential mineral that is needed for healthy growth and development. Iron cannot exist on its own in the body. Instead, iron binds to a protein called transferrin, which transports it to different parts of the body. Extra iron is stored in ferritin, which is usually concentrated in the liver and the cells of the immune system. When the body uses stored iron, a metabolic process separates iron from the ferritin inside the cell. In this process, a small amount of ferritin leaves the cell and moves into the blood. A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in the blood because it reflects the total amount of iron that is stored in your body.

Performing Lab