Ferritin
CPT Code(s):
82728
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate or Fluoride plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
2 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Ferritin holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the levels of ferritin, a protein that stores and transports iron, in a patient's blood. Ferritin levels provide important information about iron stores in the body and play a key role in the diagnosis and management of iron-related disorders.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Ferritin include:
1. Evaluation of Iron Deficiency: Ferritin is commonly used to evaluate iron deficiency. Low ferritin levels indicate depleted iron stores in the body, often occurring in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia. Assessing ferritin levels helps confirm the diagnosis of iron deficiency, determine the severity of the deficiency, and guide appropriate treatment and iron supplementation.
2. Monitoring Iron Overload: High ferritin levels can indicate iron overload or excess iron storage in the body. Conditions such as hereditary hemochromatosis, transfusion-dependent anemias, or chronic liver diseases can lead to excessive iron absorption and accumulation. Monitoring ferritin levels helps in the diagnosis and management of these conditions, guiding therapeutic interventions such as phlebotomy (blood removal) or iron chelation therapy to reduce iron burden.
3. Assessment of Anemia: Ferritin is an essential component of anemia evaluations. While low ferritin levels are indicative of iron deficiency anemia, high ferritin levels can be seen in anemia of chronic inflammation or chronic diseases. Measuring ferritin levels alongside other hematological parameters aids in determining the underlying cause of anemia and guiding appropriate treatment approaches.
4. Monitoring Iron Supplementation: Ferritin is used to monitor the effectiveness of iron supplementation in patients with iron deficiency. Serial measurements of ferritin levels help assess the response to treatment and guide adjustments in iron dosing or treatment duration as necessary.
5. Diagnosis of Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder characterized by excessive iron absorption and accumulation. Ferritin plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of hemochromatosis by identifying elevated ferritin levels. Subsequent genetic testing and additional evaluations help confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management.
6. Evaluation of Fatigue and Other Symptoms: Low ferritin levels can be associated with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and decreased exercise tolerance. Ferritin aids in investigating the underlying cause of these symptoms, allowing for targeted interventions to address iron deficiency and improve patient well-being.
It is important to note that ferritin levels may be influenced by various factors, such as inflammation, liver disease, or certain medications. Therefore, clinical interpretation should consider these factors and additional diagnostic tests may be necessary to fully evaluate iron status.
In summary, Ferritin has specific clinical significance in evaluating iron deficiency, monitoring iron overload, assessing anemia, monitoring iron supplementation, diagnosing hemochromatosis, and investigating fatigue and other symptoms related to iron imbalance. By measuring ferritin levels in a patient's blood, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, diagnosing and managing iron-related disorders, and optimizing patient care outcomes.