Ferritin is a spherical protein (apoferritin), the core of which contains a complex of iron phosphate and hydroxide.
Ferritin maintains the balance of iron in a beneficial form and is the main indicator of iron storage in body tissues.
Ferritin synthesis occurs in the organs of the reticulo-endothelial system, and ferritin itself is found in every cell of the human body. The reticuloendothelial tissues of the liver and macrophages are the richest in ferritin in the blood.
Also, ferritin can be found in plasma and intestinal mucosa.
A blood test for ferritin is able to diagnose iron deficiency anemia and anemia accompanying tumor, rheumatic and infectious diseases.
Ferritin levels may gradually decrease during pregnancy.
Differential recognition of redistribution and true iron deficiency is possible only if the true amount of serum ferritin is determined.
In oncopathology, especially in tumor lesions of the bone marrow, ferritin is a kind of marker.
An excessive amount of iron after hemodialysis or transfusion processes leads to a significant temporary increase in the level of ferritin.
Indications for a ferritin test:
- chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases;
- tumor processes;
- differential diagnosis of anemia;
- suspicion of hemochromatosis.
Ferritin should be tested in the morning on an empty stomach.
It is required to avoid physical activity and active sex life.
You can not be nervous, smoke and drink alcohol.
The analysis period is one day.
Ferritin is elevated in the following cases:
- while taking oral contraceptives;
- when fasting;
- with breast cancer;
- with lymphogranulomatosis;
- during chronic and acute inflammation and infectious diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, burns, lung infections, osteomyelitis);
- with acute myeloblastic and lymphoblastic leukemia;
- with liver pathologies (alcoholic hepatitis);
- with an excess of iron in the body.
Low ferritin levels are noted in such cases:
- with iron deficiency anemia;
- with celiac disease.
The rate of ferritin in the blood:
- for women - from 10 to 120 mcg / l;
- for men - from 20 to 250 mcg / l.
The price of a ferritin test in Moscow is 320 rubles.
