Ferritin

Its’ Uses:

This is the most sensitive test to determine iron-deficiency anemia.

Interfering Factors:

Recent transfusions or recent ingestion of a meal containing high iron content (red meats) may cause elevated ferritin levels. The iron that is ingested stimulates ferritin production to store the increased serum iron. Recent administration of a radionuclide can cause abnormal levels if testing is performed by radioimmunoassay. Hemolytic diseases may be associated with an artificially high iron content. Iron is freed from the haemoglobin that is released from the hemolyzed RBCs. Ferritin synthesis increased to store the increased serum iron.

Disorders of excessive iron storage (e.g., hemochromastosis, hemosiderosis) are associated with high ferritin levels. Ferritin synthesis in increased to store the increased serum iron.

Menstruating women may have decreased ferritin levels, because their iron stores are generally low as a result of monthly menses.

Drugs that may increase ferritin levels include iron preperations. Ferritin synthesis is increased to store the increased serum iron.

Diagnostic Significance:

Increased Levels:

•    Hemochromatosis

•    Hemosiderosis

•    Megaloblastic Anemia

•    Hemolytic anemia

•    Alcoholic/inflammatory hepatocellular disease

•    Inflammatory disease

•    Advance cancers

Decreased Levels:

•    Iron-deficiency anemia

•    Severe protein deficiency

•    Hemodialysis

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