Serum Ferritin Test Price in Baramunda

Test Description

Serum Ferritin is the soluble, circulating form of ferritin, the primary intracellular iron storage protein. Ferritin stores iron in a non-toxic, bioavailable form within hepatocytes, macrophages, and enterocytes. Serum ferritin closely reflects total body iron stores: 1 µg/L of serum ferritin approximately corresponds to 8 mg of stored iron. Normal ranges: males 12–300 µg/L; females 10–150 µg/L; postmenopausal females 10–300 µg/L. Serum ferritin is the most sensitive and specific single test for iron deficiency: levels <12 µg/L virtually confirm depleted iron stores. However, ferritin is also an acute-phase reactant that rises with inflammation, infection, malignancy, liver disease, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), potentially masking concurrent iron deficiency. Markedly elevated ferritin (>500 µg/L) may indicate hemochromatosis, iron overload from transfusions, liver disease, malignancy, or HLH (often >10,000 µg/L). In iron deficiency anemia with concomitant inflammation, elevated ferritin may be 'normal' or 'elevated' despite true iron deficiency. Combined with serum iron, TIBC, and CRP, a comprehensive interpretation is possible.