A shortage of iron can cause health problems…. Learn about restless legs syndrome, including common causes, treatments, and home remedies. This article contains the best tips on relieving symptoms. For some types of blood tests, a person may need to fast beforehand. In this article, learn about fasting for blood tests.
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition caused by high levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments…. Iron overload disorders, including hemochromatosis, cause the body to absorb too much iron. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments here. What to know about ferritin blood tests for anemia Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M. Ferritin blood test Results Increasing ferritin Lowering ferritin Procedure How to prepare Summary Ferritin is a protein in blood cells that stores iron.
What is a ferritin blood test? Share on Pinterest A ferritin blood test can help a doctor diagnose conditions related to high or low iron levels. What do the results mean? Share on Pinterest Low ferritin levels can cause headaches and pale skin.
How to increase low ferritin levels. How to lower high ferritin levels. Share on Pinterest A doctor may recommend phlebotomy to treat high ferritin levels. How to prepare for the test. Medically reviewed by J. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. If a ferritin test shows higher than normal levels, it could indicate that you have a condition that causes your body to store too much iron.
It could also point to liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory conditions or hyperthyroidism.
Some types of cancer also can cause your blood ferritin level to be high. If your doctor suspects you have too much or too little iron in your body, he or she might suggest a ferritin test. The test can diagnose or suggest:. Your doctor might also suggest a ferritin test if you've been diagnosed with a disorder that results in too much iron in your body, such as hemochromatosis. Your doctor might use a ferritin test to monitor your condition and guide treatment.
If your blood sample is being tested only for ferritin, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for other tests, you might need to fast for a time before the test. Your doctor will instruct you. During 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.
The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately. This indicates that you have iron deficiency. Antacids can cause absorption problems, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can cause blood loss in your digestive tract.
You may also have higher levels if you are getting iron-replacement therapy or had a recent blood transfusion. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.
Eating foods that are high in iron, including meat, leafy green vegetables, and beans, or taking iron supplements can affect your results. Drinking a lot of milk, donating blood frequently, and running long distances regularly can also affect your results. You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.
Search Encyclopedia. Ferritin Blood Does this test have other names? Serum ferritin level What is this test? This test measures how much iron is in your blood. Why do I need this test? Signs and symptoms include: Pale or yellow skin Extreme tiredness and dizziness Weakness Heavy menstrual cycles Bleeding in your digestive tract Blood in your stool Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with activity Brittle nails or loss of hair Pounding or "whooshing" sound in your ears A sudden spinning sensation vertigo Children who eat a lot of ice, and toddlers and babies who drink too much whole cow's milk may also get this test.
What other tests might I have along with this test? Your healthcare provider may also order other blood tests. These include: Serum iron level to measure the iron in the liquid part of your blood.
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