Ferritin

Iron Storage (Ferritin)

Test Overview

A ferritin blood test checks the amount of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein in the body that binds to iron; most of the iron stored in the body is bound to ferritin. Ferritin is found in the liverClick here to see an illustration., spleenClick here to see an illustration., skeletal muscles, and bone marrow. Only a small amount of ferritin is found in the blood. The amount of ferritin in the blood shows how much iron is stored in your body.


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Author: Jan Nissl, RN, BSLast Updated: December 4, 2006
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology

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Topic Contents
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 Why It Is Done
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 How It Is Done
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 What Affects the Test
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