Ferritin and iron test
ferritin test · iron test · serum iron · iron levels blood test
A blood test from a vein. It shows how much iron is in your blood now, and how much iron your body has stored.
For weakness, pale skin, hair loss, low hemoglobin, during pregnancy, and while you take iron treatment.
⏱ Duration: the blood draw takes a few minutes; results usually in 1 to 2 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually the test is done in the morning on an empty stomach: no food for 8 to 12 hours. You can drink water.
- Time. It is best to come before 10 or 11 in the morning. Iron levels in the blood change during the day.
- The day before. No alcohol, no fatty food, and no hard workouts.
- Medicines. Do not stop iron tablets on your own. Tell your doctor. They will decide if you need a break before the test.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past results, to compare
How it goes
- You sit down and rest your arm on the armrest
- A band is tied above your elbow and the skin is cleaned
- Blood is taken from a vein into a tube
- A cotton pad or a plaster is put on the spot
What you'll feel
- A quick prick, like a mosquito bite
- If you feel dizzy, say so and you can lie down
Afterwards
- Press the cotton pad for 3 to 5 minutes to avoid a bruise
- You can eat and go back to your day right away
- Your doctor will explain the result. Ferritin alone is not enough for a diagnosis
Common questions
Do I need to stop iron before the test?
Do not stop on your own. Sometimes the doctor asks for a break of a few days to see your real level. Ask your doctor.
Why is my ferritin high if my iron is low?
Ferritin goes up with any inflammation or a cold. So the doctor looks at it together with other tests.