![]() Isolated reduction of serum iron is of dubious significance given the wide variability of serum iron concentrations. As for non-pregnant individuals, ferritin concentrations in the 30-100 µg/L range could indicate iron deficiency in the presence of co-existing inflammatory disease. However, a ferritin concentration <30 µg/L is still considered diagnostic of iron deficiency at any stage of pregnancy. TEST INTERPRETATION Iron studies are commonly ordered to investigate microcytic anaemia and. A high transferrin saturation (>50) on a fasting blood sample is the earliest abnormality revealed on iron studies of haemochromatosis. This reflects transfer of organic iron from mother to fetus, rather than any change in iron metabolism. A low serum iron level as an isolated abnormality has poor diagnostic specificity for iron deficiency. Serum ferritin concentrations typically fall in the last 4 weeks of normal pregnancy. A raised percentage transferrin saturation in isolation may be the earliest indicator of iron overload. INTERPRETING ELEVATED SERUM FERRITIN LEVELS. In these cases the ratio of ferritin to soluble transferrin receptors gives better discrimination.Īn elevated ferritin concentration above the method-related upper reference limit may be due to concurrent inflammatory disease, liver disease or iron overload (Hereditary haemochromatosis and Haemosiderosis). Other laboratory measures of iron status have been studied as potential alternatives to the serum ferritin. Serum ferritin levels of 30-100 µg/L in an anaemic adult may represent iron deficiency if there is coexisting inflammatory disease. Serum ferritin levels of 20-60 µg/L in an anaemic pre-pubescent child may represent iron deficiency if there is coexisting inflammatory disease. Serum ferritin levels ≥30 µg/L up to the method-related upper reference limit demonstrates healthy iron stores as long as co-existing inflammatory disease or hepatocellular damage are not present.Ī serum ferritin level ≤20 µg/L for pre-pubescent children (with or without anaemia) is diagnostic of iron deficiency.Ī serum ferritin level <30 µg/L for an adult is diagnostic of iron deficiency. An alternative approach to the patient with suspected iron deficiency and/or chronic inflammatory disease is to assess the haemoglobin response to iron therapy. Soluble transferrin receptor levels are not affected in an acute phase response levels are normal in anaemia of chronic disease uncomplicated by iron deficiency. In general, serum ferritin is the preferred test for the assessment of iron deficiency, however levels may be normal (up to 100 µg/L) when iron deficiency coexists with an acute phase response. The assessment of iron deficiency or overload may be complicated by the presence of an acute phase response or hepatocellular disease. Suspected iron deficiency, iron overload, acute iron poisoning (see Iron toxicity). See Ferritin, Soluble transferrin receptor. If your ferritin level is above normal, your doctor might need to evaluate the results with those of other tests to determine next steps.įor specifics about what your ferritin test results mean, talk to your doctor.5 mL blood in lithium heparin or plain tube. Rheumatoid arthritis or another chronic inflammatory disorder.Porphyria - A group of disorders caused by an enzyme deficiency that affects your nervous system and skin.However, diagnosis of these conditions might require additional testing based on your symptoms and physical examination. Higher than normal resultsĪ higher than normal ferritin level can be seen in several conditions. If your ferritin level is low, your doctor will work to determine the cause. This indicates that you have iron deficiency. For women, 11 to 307 micrograms per liter.For men, 24 to 336 micrograms per liter.results be interpreted in the context of other iron status test results. You can return to your usual activities immediately. If RDW is high, iron studies (ferritin/iron and iron binding capacity) should. This test measures all serum iron: both the small amount of soluble ionised ferric iron (Fe 3+) and the transferrin-associated ferric ion. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. What you can expectĭuring the ferritin test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. If your blood sample will be used for other tests, you might need to fast for a time before the test. If your blood sample is being tested only for ferritin, you can eat and drink normally before the test.
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