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What is a Ferritin Test?
The Ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a blood protein that acts as a storage vessel for iron — releasing it when your body needs to produce more red blood cells. While a standard Serum Iron test tells you how much iron is currently circulating, a Ferritin test tells you the size of your iron reserve. It is the most sensitive marker for detecting iron deficiency long before anemia actually develops, as well as identifying conditions of iron overload.
⚠ Important: While fasting is not strictly mandatory, a morning blood draw is recommended for the most consistent results. If you are taking iron supplements, your doctor may advise stopping them for 24 hours before the test. Inform your phlebotomist of any recent infections or inflammation as these can temporarily elevate ferritin levels.
The Importance of Monitoring Iron Stores
Maintaining optimal ferritin levels is crucial for energy, immunity and cellular health:
- Early Anemia Detection — Low ferritin is the earliest indicator of iron deficiency anemia, often appearing before hemoglobin levels drop
- Chronic Fatigue Evaluation — Investigates the root cause of persistent tiredness, weakness and dizziness even when hemoglobin is normal
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) — Low iron stores in the brain are a primary trigger for restless leg symptoms
- Detecting Iron Overload — Helps diagnose Hemochromatosis where the body stores too much iron, damaging the heart and liver
- Inflammation Marker — Since ferritin is an acute-phase reactant, elevated levels can also indicate systemic inflammation or chronic disease
Normal Ferritin Range
| Category | Normal Ferritin Range |
|---|---|
| Adult Men | 24 – 336 ng/mL |
| Adult Women (pre-menopausal) | 11 – 307 ng/mL |
| Adult Women (post-menopausal) | 24 – 307 ng/mL |
| Children (6 months – 15 years) | 7 – 140 ng/mL |
| Infants (1–5 months) | 50 – 200 ng/mL |
Low ferritin confirms depleted iron stores even when Serum Iron and hemoglobin are still within normal range. Your doctor will interpret ferritin alongside Serum Iron, TIBC and CBC.
Ferritin vs Serum Iron vs TIBC — Understanding the Difference
How these three tests work together:
- Ferritin — most sensitive early marker of iron stores. Can be low weeks before anemia develops. Also elevated in inflammation and liver disease.
- Serum Iron — measures iron currently in the blood. Fluctuates throughout the day. Less reliable alone.
- TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) — measures the blood's capacity to carry iron. High TIBC with low Ferritin and low Serum Iron confirms iron deficiency anemia.
- Pattern to note — Low Ferritin + Low Serum Iron + High TIBC = Iron Deficiency Anemia. High Ferritin + High Serum Iron + Low TIBC = Iron Overload (Hemochromatosis).
When is a Ferritin Test Recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a Ferritin test if you experience:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness even with normal hemoglobin
- Hair loss or thinning hair
- Brittle nails
- Restless leg syndrome
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
- Pale skin, pale gums or pale inner eyelids
- Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
- Monitoring iron supplementation therapy
- Suspected Hemochromatosis (family history of iron overload)
- CBC showing low hemoglobin or microcytic anemia
What Conditions Does Ferritin Help Diagnose?
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload)
- Anemia of chronic disease
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Thalassemia
- Liver disease (liver stores ferritin)
- Systemic inflammation and autoimmune conditions
- Adult onset Still's disease (very high ferritin)
Ferritin Test Price in Kolkata
Ferritin Blood Test Price: ₹940
Morning draw preferred | Avoid iron supplements 24 hrs before | Free home collection above ₹2,000
Morning draw preferred | Avoid iron supplements 24 hrs before | Free home collection above ₹2,000
Tests Commonly Ordered Alongside Ferritin
- Serum Iron — measures circulating iron alongside stored iron for a complete picture
- TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) — confirms iron deficiency when Ferritin is low
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) — checks for anemia and red blood cell size changes
- Vitamin B12 & Folate — to rule out other nutritional causes of anemia
- CRP (C-Reactive Protein) — since ferritin rises in inflammation, CRP helps distinguish iron overload from inflammatory ferritin elevation
- Liver Function Test (LFT) — liver disease can cause elevated ferritin
Home Collection for Ferritin Test in Kolkata
Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for Ferritin tests across North and Central Kolkata. Our phlebotomists arrive at your doorstep with sterile single-use equipment. Samples are processed at our NABL-certified central laboratory using advanced automated immunoassay technology.
- Home collection available: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Daily
- Morning collection preferred for most consistent results
- Free home collection on orders above ₹2,000
- Digital reports delivered to WhatsApp within 24 hours
Quick Links
→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages
→ Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar → Full List of Individual Tests → Book Home Collection → Full Body Checkup Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Ferritin test used for?
The Ferritin test measures iron stores in the body. It is the most sensitive early indicator of iron deficiency, detects iron overload conditions like Hemochromatosis, investigates chronic fatigue and hair loss, screens for Restless Leg Syndrome and monitors iron supplementation therapy.
Q2. What is the normal Ferritin level?
Normal Ferritin ranges are 24–336 ng/mL for adult men and 11–307 ng/mL for pre-menopausal women. Values below the lower limit confirm depleted iron stores. Values significantly above the upper limit may indicate iron overload or systemic inflammation. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside Serum Iron and CBC.
Q3. Does the Ferritin test require fasting?
Fasting is not strictly mandatory for the Ferritin test but a morning blood draw is recommended for the most consistent results. If you are taking iron supplements your doctor may advise stopping them 24 hours before the test. Inform your phlebotomist of any recent infections as these can temporarily elevate ferritin levels.
Q4. What is the Ferritin test price at Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata?
The Ferritin blood test price at Apollo Diagnostics is ₹940. Home collection is available free on orders above ₹2,000.
Q5. What is the difference between Ferritin and Serum Iron?
Serum Iron measures iron currently circulating in the blood and fluctuates throughout the day based on meals and activity. Ferritin measures stored iron and is a more stable and sensitive indicator of overall iron status. Ferritin can be low weeks before Serum Iron or hemoglobin drops — making it the earliest warning sign of iron depletion.
Q6. Can Ferritin be high even without iron overload?
Yes. Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant — meaning it rises in response to inflammation, infection, liver disease, certain cancers and autoimmune conditions — even when iron levels are normal. This is why a CRP test is often ordered alongside Ferritin to distinguish iron overload from inflammatory ferritin elevation.
Q7. Can low Ferritin cause hair loss?
Yes. Low ferritin is one of the most common and overlooked causes of hair loss — particularly in women. Iron stores are needed for the hair growth cycle. When ferritin levels are low, the body prioritizes iron for essential functions like red blood cell production over hair growth, leading to increased shedding. Restoring ferritin levels through supplementation often improves hair loss over 3–6 months.
Q8. Is home collection available for Ferritin test in Kolkata?
Yes. Apollo Diagnostics provides home blood sample collection for Ferritin tests across Dum Dum, South Dum Dum, Nagerbazar, Satgachi, Baguiati, Lake Town, Bangur, Kaikhali, Sealdah, Entally, Phoolbagan, Tangra and surrounding areas. Book by calling or WhatsApping +91 8660434628.
Q9. How long does it take to get Ferritin test results?
Ferritin test results are typically available within 24 hours of sample collection. Reports are delivered digitally to your WhatsApp or email.
Q10. Which centre processes my Ferritin sample in Kolkata?
All samples collected across North and Central Kolkata are processed at Apollo Diagnostics Nagerbazar — Nandarani Apartment, 8A Narasingha Avenue, Nagerbazar, Dum Dum, Kolkata 700074. Our lab is NABL-certified and ISO-certified.
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