Laboratory Medicine Program

Ferritin

Clinical Decription:
Clinical Description: Ferritin is a compound composed of iron molecules bound to apoferritin protein shell. Stored iron represents about 25% of total iron in the body, and most of this iron is stored as ferritin. Ferritin is found in many body cells, but especially in the liver, bone marrow, and reticuloendothelial cells. Ferritin is found in serum in low concentrations and is directly proportional to the body's iron stores. Serum ferritin concentration when analyzed with other factors such as serum iron, iron-binding capacity, and tissue iron stores, is valuable in the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemias, anemias of chronic infection, and conditions such as thalassemia and hemochromtosis that are associated with iron overload. Measurement of serum ferritin is particularly valuable in distinquishing iron-deficiency anemias caused by low iron stores from those resulting form inadequate iron utilization. Limitations: serum ferritin values are elevated in the presence of the several conditions (e.g. inflammation, significant tissue destruction, malignancies such as acute leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease) and do not reflect actual body iron under those conditions.
<br/><em>Abbott Architect i2000 </em>

Method: CMIA; I2000

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
Adult Males: 30 - 250 ug/L Adult Females: 30- 250 ug/L Interpretaion: <15 ug/L: Depleted Iron stores 15-30 ug/L:Probably iron deficient 31-45: Possibly iron deficient

Specimen Type: serum or plasma
Volume: 3 mL (minimum: 1 mL)

Shipping: room temperature or 4C

Special Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot sample.

Testing Schedule(s): Monday through Friday.

Turnaround Time: 1 day

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227