What is ferritin, what is its norm and why to take an analysis

What is ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that helps the body storesFerritin test / Mayo Clinic iron in tissues. It is necessary for red blood cells, liver, bone marrow and muscles. In its free form, iron is toxic, and therefore a form is needed that would allow it to keepS.D. Aust. Ferritin as a source of iron and protection from iron-induced toxicities / Toxicology letters no harm.

Ferritin is found in almost all organs and cells. If a person has little iron, for example, with chronic blood loss or a lack of it in food, then the reserve begins to be spent.

What does the amount of ferritin show

Its concentration in the blood shows how much iron is stored in the body. But sometimes the level changes for other reasons. Ferritin may be promotedR. Gulhar, M.A. Ashraf, I. Jialal. Physiology, Acute Phase Reactants. with infection or malignancy, then it will be regarded as a marker of the acute phase, and not of iron overload.

How much ferritin should be normal

Ferritin levels may vary from laboratory to laboratory, but willFerritin (Blood) / University of Rochester something like this:

Some doctors recommend raising ferritin to a figure that will be equal to weight or even the sum of weight and age, but there are no studies yet to confirm this.

Under what conditions can ferritin be lowered

low ferritin He speaksFerritin / Helix about iron deficiency. If the level is below 10 ng / ml, it is already iron deficient anemia.

It is also usually reduced in the third trimester of pregnancy, but for such a period this is normal.

Under what conditions can ferritin be elevated?

High ferritin levels may beFerritin test / Mayo Clinic under various conditions such as:

• hemochromatosis - a disease in which excess iron is deposited in organs and tissues, damaging them;
• porphyria - a group of diseases that affect the nervous system and skin due to enzyme deficiency;
• rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic inflammatory processes;
• liver disease;
• hyperthyroidism;
• malignant diseases such as leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma and others;
• a situation that required many blood transfusions;
• taking too much iron supplements;
• alcohol abuse.

Who is prescribed a ferritin test

This analysis neededFerritin / Helix, if there is:

• change in the amount of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells;
• suspicion of deficiency or excess of iron in the body;
• suspicion of hereditary hemochromatosis.

In addition, his appointFerritin (Blood) / University of Rochesterto assess how anemia is being treated.

A therapist, a gastroenterologist, a hematologist, a rheumatologist, can recommend an analysis for ferritin, nephrologist or a surgeon.

What to do if the ferritin level is above or below normal

If you have decided passFerritin (Blood) / University of Rochester analysis, and the result was higher or lower than normal, then you need to contact a therapist. Ferritin levels can vary depending on gender, age, lifestyle and the presence of other diseases. Result also may beFerritin / Helix above normal due to intense physical exertion, after fasting, taking alcohol or certain drugs - estrogen, combined oral contraceptives, iron preparations. So it is not necessary that deviations will indicate some problems in the body.

If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional studies and select a treatment. Then you may need to submit:

• a complete blood count to evaluate the number and shape of red blood cells and hemoglobin content;
• an analysis for total iron-binding capacity is the amount of transferrin protein that carries ferritin from the liver, where it is formed, to other cells;
• genetic analysis for hemochromatosis;
• zinc protoporphyrin test to assess iron deficiency.