Ferritin
Sample: Serum 0.5 mL
Status: Accredited
Scheduled: Daily
Remarks: Ferritin test is used to evaluate hypochromic and microcytic anemias (Ferritin is decreased in Iron deficiency) and to evaluate the total iron storage. In hemochromatosis both Ferritin and TIBC are increased.
In combination with serum iron levels and the % Saturation of TIBC it may be used to differentiate Microcytic Hypochromic anaemias:
- Iron deficiency anaemia: Low Ferritin, low iron, low %Saturation and high iron
- Chronic disease anaemia: Normal or high Ferritin, low iron, nomal or low TIBC
- Thalassaemia: Normal or high Ferritin
