Ferritin Test Price, Purpose, Result & Range [2024]
Ferritin is a blood test that measures ferritin level. It is a protein which measures iron reserves. The Iron reserves are the deposits of iron stored in the human body intended to be used in case of an emergency of iron deficiency. Ferritin test price in India ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 700.
In combination with Serum Iron level, the ferritin test helps differentiate between Iron deficiency anaemia (low level) and anaemia of chronic disease (normal or high level). Your doctors may suggest it if they suspect any of the following:
- Iron Deficiency
- High iron level (Hemochromatosis)
- Liver Disease
- COVID Infection
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
What is Ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein present in the cells. It carries and releases the iron in a controlled manner as per the requirement of your body. The “Ferritin” word is made up of two root words, “Ferri” means ferrous (iron) and “itin” is derived from the word Protein.
Test details in brief
| Also known as | Serum Ferritin Test, S-ferritin test, Blood ferritin test, and Iron ferritin test. |
| Purpose | Detection of deficiency or excess iron and diagnosis of anaemia |
| Preparation | No special preparation is required. |
| Fasting | No fasting is required. |
| Reporting time | 8 to 24 hours |
| Cost | Rs 500 to Rs 700 |
Ferritin test cost
Ferritin test cost ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 700 in India. The actual cost would depend on the diagnostic centre, city and home collection charges. Usually, the doctor orders it along with the iron profile (which usually includes Serum Iron, TIBC and Transferrin)
Costs at some popular diagnostic centres
| Diagnostic Centre | Price |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal pathlabs | Rs 720 |
| Thyrocare | Rs 520 |
| Suburban Diagnostics | Rs 800 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 750 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 900 |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 900 |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 500 |
Ferritin Test Cost in different cities
The table below lists the ferritin test cost in different cities of India. To get the list of the diagnostic centres along with their ferritin test cost and discount, Click on the city name below.
| City Name | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ferritin Cost in Delhi | Rs 300 to Rs 720 |
| Ferritin Cost in Gurgaon | Rs 270 to Rs 720 |
| Ferritin test cost in Hyderabad | Rs 400 to Rs 800 |
| Ferritin cost in Chennai | Rs 400 to Rs 720 |
| Ferritin cost in Mumbai | Rs 400 to Rs 700 |
| Ferritin test cost in Bangalore | Rs 400 to Rs 720 |
| Ferritin test cost in Kolkata | Rs 400 to Rs 750 |
Purposes of the Ferritin Test
The doctor recommends the ferritin test to check the iron level as it determines the total iron storage capacity in the body.
The purpose of the test is –
- To check iron deficiency: It is the condition of deficiency of iron. Therefore, as the iron carries oxygen, the lack of iron leads to a lesser quantity of Hemoglobin production in the Red Blood cells.
- To check excess iron: It is also known as hemochromatosis. Excess iron become accumulated in the heart, liver, and pancreas. Excessive iron accumulation can lead to life-threatening disorders, including cirrhosis, heart issues, and diabetes.
- To check haemoglobin levels: The haemoglobin is a red colour pigment. It gives the red colour to the Red blood cells. Less quantity of haemoglobin denotes the oxygen deficiency in the blood.
When do I need for Ferritin Test?
When you or your doctor notice any of the following symptoms, you can go for the Ferritin test:
Low Ferritin level Symptoms
you will feel the following symptoms if you have dangerously low ferritin levels.
- Pale skin: Paleness is not a serious medical condition. It is just abnormal lighting of the skin shade. When there is a low oxygen supply, the skin tends to lose its natural texture and start becoming fade.
- Shortness of breath: This is a manifestation of the overall insufficiency of the oxygen in the blood. This is marked by panting.
- Weight loss: Your body tends to lose muscle mass. The muscle tonicity also become decreased.
- Fatigue: If you have any iron deficiency, you may feel dizzy and exhausted, and a lack of energy in you will impair your ability to perform your daily tasks.
- Rapid heartbeat: The heartbeat increases as you always feel fatigued.
High Ferritin level Symptoms
- Pain in joints: Hemochromatosis(excess of iron) can cause chronic joint pain and arthritis.
- Abdominal or belly pain: Abdominal pain is the most common feature of iron overloading.
- Impaired sex drive: If you have iron overloading, then there is the possibility that you might have a low desire to establish a physical relationship.
- Grey or bronze colour skin: Genetic hemochromatosis may cause this condition to your skin.
- Swelling in the liver: Your liver might swell if you have an excess of iron in your body.
Preparation
It would help if you had the following preparation before the test.
- Let your doctor know of any medicines you are taking. It may affect the level of ferritin.
- Overnight fasting is not required.
- Wear half sleeves or loose sleeves shirt so the technician can quickly get your arm to draw the blood sample.
Please note that serum ferritin is an acute-phase reactant. Therefore, you may have normal ferritin levels despite iron deficiency anaemia in disorders such as hepatocellular diseases, malignancies and inflammatory diseases.
Procedure
The Ferritin Test is a blood test involving the following procedure.
- The technician will clean the skin around with the help of cotton gauze.
- After cleaning, an elastic band is wrapped around the arm to make the vein easier to find the vein.
- The technician or physician will withdraw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a syringe.
- The technician will remove the elastic band and stop the bleeding with the help of a cotton ball or bandage.
- The technician takes out a small amount of blood and collects it into a test tube or vial.
- The patient may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
Risk and side effects
- You can suffer the following side effects if you have an iron imbalance:
- Ferritin is a routine blood test with no side effects.
- Mild bruising may occur at the site of vein puncture. Some may experience light-headedness, infection, or excess bleeding.
Result interpretation
Results will report ferritin levels in your blood with respect to the reference range.
Normal range of ferritin test
The normal range of ferritin in a human blood sample is 22 to 322 ng/mL. These are for the CLIA testing method. The reference range may slightly vary depending on the method and diagnostic centres. Results below or above the reference level are considered abnormal.
Elevated Ferritin (Hyperferritinemia):
Ferritin levels higher than the normal range indicate too much iron in the body. A high iron level can be due to other medical issues, such as
- Alcohol abuse: The habit of overconsumption of alcohol causes the elevation in the ferritin levels.
- Porphyria: The accumulation of colourful pigments in the skin and other organs. The ‘porphyrin’ word indicates the colourful pigment.
- Liver disease: In Hepatitis disease (inflammation of the liver) causes an increase in the ferritin levels.
- Hyperthyroidism: It is a condition of overproduction of thyroid hormone.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: It denotes the condition of the pain and swelling in joints.
- Leukaemia: It is also known as blood cancer. The uncontrolled growth of the blood cells is known as blood cancer.
- Thalassemia: It is a blood disorder with a minimal blood haemoglobin level. The thalassemia causes an excess of the ferritin levels in the blood.
So to find out the cause of the high ferritin level, your healthcare provider may indicate further tests to diagnose the problem.
Low ferritin (Hypoferritinemia)
Ferritin levels below the normal range indicate iron deficiency and possibly iron deficiency anaemia. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and order some more tests to figure out the exact cause.
- Interleukin (IL)-6-induced hypoferremia: IL6 is an anti-inflammatory protein. Your body produces it in response to cancer. IL6 decreases the ferritin levels in the blood.
- COVID 19 patients: The D dimer and ferritin levels change considerably in the COVID patients.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women over 25 years of age have very low Ferritin levels. These levels vary as per the number of trimesters passed.
Sample report
You shall take a view of the sample report given below.
Ferritin vs iron test
The ferritin test detects the stored iron in your body, while the iron test measures the amount of iron in the blood (Hemoglobin levels).
How to Book Online
₹399 ₹1250
Ferritin Test
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can eat and drink before a ferritin test anything as you normally do.
Yes. Diabetic patients have abnormally elevated serum ferritin levels.
The increased ferritin levels are associated with increased hair loss.
Go to Bookmerilab.com and choose the labs at the lowest price per your convenient location. The technician will come to your house for your test.
The LDH test, and the Iron profile test. Ferritin Test is a part of the Iron profile test.
It can be proved dangerous. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.