What the Ferritin Test measures
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron inside the body, and the small amount of it found in the blood reflects how much iron is held in reserve. A low ferritin is the most reliable single blood sign that iron stores are running out, and it often falls before haemoglobin drops and anaemia appears. That makes it useful when someone feels tired, looks pale, has hair fall, or has heavy periods, and when a blood count shows small, pale red cells. Ferritin also behaves as an inflammation marker: infection, inflammation, liver disease and some other conditions can push it up even when iron stores are low. So a normal or high ferritin does not always mean iron stores are full, and doctors often read it together with serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation and a blood count. A high ferritin can also point to iron overload, which needs its own assessment. Ferritin is commonly repeated to see whether iron treatment is refilling the stores.
Price: the Ferritin Test costs ₹480 at Pure Bliss (MRP ₹600), with the sample collected at our Action Area 2, New Town centre or at your home.
Who this test is for
- Tiredness, breathlessness on effort, hair fall or pale skin
- Women with heavy periods, and pregnancy check-ups as advised
- A blood count showing low haemoglobin or small red cells
- Follow-up after starting iron tablets or injections
How to prepare, the sample, and when to expect the report
Preparation
Fasting is not usually needed for ferritin alone. If it is booked with serum iron or iron studies, a morning sample after an overnight fast is often preferred; we will tell you when you book. Mention any iron supplements you are taking.
Sample
Blood, from a vein in the arm (serum).
Reporting time
Within 24 hours.
Reading the result
Ferritin ranges vary by laboratory, age and sex. As commonly used guidance, a very low ferritin points to low iron stores, while a high ferritin needs to be read in context, because inflammation, infection and liver disease can raise it. Your own report’s range and your doctor’s reading take priority over these general figures. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so your report lists the laboratory’s own range beside each value. A result outside the range does not always mean illness; ask your doctor to explain it.
- Centre or home collection
- NABL-accredited Redcliffe Labs collection centre
- How collection works →
The Ferritin Test can be booked at the clinic in Action Area 2 or with a home collection from 7:30 AM. Patients come to us from Action Area 1, Action Area 3, Rajarhat, Chinar Park, Salt Lake Sector V, Sukhobrishti and Eco Park.