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Ferritin
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The Test Sample
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What is being tested?Ferritin is a protein inside of cells that stores iron for later use by your body. The small amount of ferritin that is released into blood reflects the total amount of storage iron. Iron is also stored as hemosiderin, a complex of iron, proteins, and other materials. Ferritin and hemosiderin are present primarily in the liver but also in the bone marrow, spleen, and skeletal muscles. In healthy people, most iron is stored as ferritin (an estimated 70% in men and 80% in women) and smaller amounts are stored as hemosiderin.
When iron begins to disappear from your system, iron stores are depleted before iron deficiency develops.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is drawn by needle from a vein in your arm.
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
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This article was last reviewed on
March 10, 2006.
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