Examinations
Examinations
Ferritin is the most informative marker for assessing iron stores in the body. A single ferritin molecule can store up to 4,000 iron molecules. Ferritin is synthesized in reticuloendothelial cells and is found in all body cells and fluids. In addition to storing iron, ferritin is used in the differential diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia and other types of anemia.
Ferritin Levels During Pregnancy
Ferritin levels gradually decrease during pregnancy:
- By 50% by the 20th week
- By up to 70% in the third trimester
During acute inflammatory processes, ferritin levels increase, as ferritin also functions as an acute-phase protein.
- Sample: Blood drawn from a vein
- Fasting for 8–14 hours is required before the test (only water is allowed)
- After a light meal, the test can be taken no earlier than 4 hours later
- Suspected hemochromatosis
- Differential diagnosis of anemia
- Tumors (cancer diagnosis and monitoring)
- Chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases
Causes of Increased Ferritin Levels
- Iron overload (hemochromatosis)
- Liver diseases
- Acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemia
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Breast cancer
- Starvation or prolonged fasting
- Oral contraceptive use
Causes of Decreased Ferritin Levels
- Iron deficiency (iron-deficiency anemia)
- Celiac disease