Ferritin, Serum

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body and releases it when needed. The ferritin test is used to assess iron stores and helps diagnose conditions such as Anemia or iron overload, like in hemochromatosis. Ferritin function: Ferritin is the primary protein responsible for storing iron in cells. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Ferritin levels in the blood reflect how much iron is stored in the body.
Test significance: The ferritin test helps determine if the body has sufficient iron stores or if there is a deficiency, as seen in iron deficiency Anemia. It can also detect iron overload, which occurs in conditions such as hemochromatosis.
Diseases: Low ferritin levels are associated with iron deficiency Anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. High ferritin levels may indicate iron overload, Inflammation, or Liver, disease.