A ferritin blood test measures the level of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein that binds to and stores iron in your body, so the test indirectly reflects how much iron you have stored.
A clinician may order a ferritin test to help check the body's iron stores when there are signs or symptoms that iron may be too low (such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath) or too high (such as joint pain or fatigue), or for people at higher risk of low iron, including those who are underweight, who have heavy menstrual bleeding, who are pregnant, or who have conditions that affect how iron is absorbed. A blood sample is used, and your provider may ask you to fast (often about 12 hours) before the test.
As a general guide, MedlinePlus lists approximate ferritin ranges of about 30 to 400 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) for men and about 13 to 150 ng/mL for women. These are general reference values only. Normal ranges vary by laboratory and also differ by age, sex, and the testing method used. The reference range printed on your own lab report is the one that applies to your result, and only your clinician can interpret what your number means for you.
A higher-than-normal ferritin level does not by itself diagnose any condition, and this is not a complete list. Higher ferritin can be seen with a number of situations, including hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body), inflammation from infection or surgery, liver disease (including from alcohol use), autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, an overactive thyroid, and repeated blood transfusions. Because ferritin can also rise with general inflammation, an elevated result may need to be considered alongside other tests.
A lower-than-normal ferritin level may suggest low iron stores. It can be seen with iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia — for example, from too little iron in the diet, heavy bleeding (including from menstruation or injury), poor absorption of iron from food, medicines, or supplements, or bleeding in the digestive tract. This is a general association, not a diagnosis or a complete list.
Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, sex, and method — the range on your own report is what applies to you. A single value out of range doesn’t confirm any condition; your clinician interprets it alongside your symptoms, history, and other results. This page is general information, not medical advice.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your clinician. Lab reference ranges and interpretation depend on the laboratory and on your individual situation — discuss your results with a licensed healthcare professional.