Iron Deficiency · Anaemia Work-up · Hair Loss · Fatigue · Iron Overload
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in your body. It falls long before anaemia shows up on a blood count, making it the most sensitive test for iron deficiency — and it can also flag iron overload.
Your doctor will look for the cause and advise treatment
Method
Serum Ferritin Immunoassay
About the Test
Measure the Reserves, Not Just the Balance
A full blood count shows the haemoglobin in your blood today. Ferritin shows how much iron your body has in reserve — so deficiency is found earlier and treated before anaemia sets in.
🩸
Low Ferritin
Means depleted iron stores. Causes include heavy periods, poor diet, pregnancy, blood loss and poor absorption. It often causes tiredness, breathlessness and hair shedding.
⚠️
High Ferritin
Can point to iron overload, but ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection and liver disease. Your doctor interprets it with other tests.
🔗
Best With an FBC
Ferritin is usually read together with a full blood count and sometimes CRP, which helps separate true iron deficiency from inflammation.
When to Test
Five Reasons to Get a Ferritin Test
01
Persistent Tiredness or Pallor
Constant fatigue, pale skin and shortness of breath on exertion are classic signs of low iron.
02
Heavy or Long Periods
Menstrual blood loss is the commonest cause of iron deficiency in women.
03
Hair Loss or Brittle Nails
Low ferritin is a frequent, treatable contributor to hair shedding.
04
Pregnancy and Planning Pregnancy
Iron needs rise sharply in pregnancy; knowing your stores helps prevent anaemia.
05
Vegetarian Diet or Blood Donation
Diets low in iron and regular blood donation can slowly drain iron stores.
Ferritin Interpretation (Guide)
Low
Iron deficiency
Normal
Adequate stores
High
Overload / inflammation
Follow-up
With FBC ± CRP
⚕️ Ferritin is an acute-phase protein: infection or inflammation can push it up even when iron is low. Always interpret it with your symptoms and other results.
Preparation
How to Prepare for Your Ferritin Test
Minimal preparation gives the most reliable ferritin result.
🌅
Morning Sample Preferred
Iron levels vary through the day. A morning sample is ideal, though ferritin itself is fairly stable.
💊
Pause Iron Supplements if Advised
Iron tablets can affect related iron tests. Tell us if you are taking them and ask your doctor before stopping.
📝
Tell Us About Recent Illness
Infection or inflammation can raise ferritin, so mention any recent illness.
Why Choose Us
Trusted Iron Testing in Akoka & Beyond
🔬
Sensitive Early Marker
Ferritin picks up iron deficiency before anaemia develops.
🔒
Confidential Results
Your results are shared only with you.
📋
Clear Guidance
We explain what your result means and what to discuss with your doctor.
⚡
Convenient Walk-In Testing
Visit us during opening hours — no appointment needed.