Overview: Ferritin TestIntroduction: The Ferritin Test measures ferritin levels to diagnose iron deficiency or overload, causing fatigue or liver issues. Aligned with 2023 ASH guidelines, it uses an immunoassay for high sensitivity, aiding in hematological screening. This test is critical for guiding diagnosis, treatment, and improving outcomes in biochemistry for patients with suspected iron metabolism disorders.
Other Names: Ferritin Assay, Iron Storage Test.
FDA Status: Laboratory-developed test (LDT), meeting biochemistry standards for diagnostic accuracy.
Historical Milestone: Ferritin testing began in the 1970s with iron metabolism research. Immunoassays emerged in the 1980s, and by the 2000s, high-sensitivity assays improved accuracy.
Purpose: Diagnoses iron deficiency or overload, guides treatment, and monitors ferritin levels in patients with fatigue or liver issues.
Test Parameters: 1. Ferritin
Pretest Condition: Fasting for 10-12 hours required to stabilize results. Collect serum or plasma in the morning. Report symptoms like fatigue or liver issues, and list medications.
Specimen: 2-5 mL serum (SST) or 2-4 mL plasma (EDTA). Centrifuge within 1 hour. Transport in a biohazard bag within 8 hours.
Sample Stability at Room Temperature: 8 hours
Sample Stability at Refrigeration: 7 days
Sample Stability at Frozen: 6 months
Medical History: Document fatigue, liver issues, or history of iron deficiency/overload (e.g., anemia, hemochromatosis). Include current medications, especially iron supplements.
Consent: Written consent required, detailing the tests purpose, diagnostic implications, and potential need for iron therapy.
Procedural Considerations: Uses an immunoassay to measure ferritin levels. Results are available in 1-2 days, enabling rapid clinical decisions.
Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Non-fasting, inflammation, or medications can affect results. Hemolysis may degrade samples.
Clinical Significance: Low ferritin suggests iron deficiency, prompting supplementation. High ferritin indicates overload, requiring further evaluation.
Specialist Consultation: Consult a hematologist or gastroenterologist for result interpretation.
Additional Supporting Tests: Iron studies, TIBC, or liver function tests to confirm iron metabolism disorders.
Test Limitations: Inflammation may elevate ferritin levels. Results require clinical correlation.
References: ASH Anemia Guidelines, 2023; Blood, Camaschella C, 2022.
