You will need to inquire about the ferritin test price when your doctor suspects you have excessive or inadequate iron in your blood and prescribes it. The test will clarify the level of the ferritin protein in your blood. Since ferritin contains iron, its presence helps doctors figure out the amount of iron stored in your body.
Why Can the Test Help Diagnose?
The ferritin test can diagnose the following:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Hemochromatosis: A condition causing your body to absorb a higher amount of iron from the food you consume
- Adult Still’s disease
Sometimes the test can also refer to a presence of a type of cancer. Some types of cancer trigger an increase in the body’s ferritin. Medical practitioners also prescribe this test when you are diagnosed with a condition that can increase the iron content in your body.
How to Prepare for the Ferritin Test
Your blood sample will be taken to perform the test. A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm to collect your blood.
If your blood sample is being taken only for this test, you will be able to normally drink and eat before the test. But you might need to fast if your sample is being taken for other tests.
Contact your medical practitioner for further details about preparing before the test. Once the sample is collected, it will be sent to the lab for analysis. You will be able to perform your daily activities as usual after the test.
What Do Ferritin Test Results Indicate?
The normal range of ferritin in the body for men and women is as follows:
- Men: 24 to 336 mg/l
- Women: 11 to 307 mg/l
Higher Than Normal Results
Higher-than-normal results might indicate the following:
- Porphyria: A group of disorders occurring from an enzyme deficiency and affecting the skin and nervous system
- Hemochromatosis
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Liver disease
- Chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
Your ferritin level might also increase due to alcohol abuse, excessive use of iron supplements, and multiple blood transfusions.
Lower Than Normal Results
Low levels of ferritin inside your body are an indication of iron deficiency. You might also be anemic. Your doctor will have to determine the cause of your iron deficiency.
Ending Note
Ask about the ferritin test price and get it done to bring the results to your doctor as early as possible. Your doctor will evaluate your test results and work on finding the right treatment option to restore normal ferritin levels in your body. However, remember to get your test done by a reliable lab to get accurate results which will aid in proper diagnosis.
