Are you at high risk of iron-deficiency anaemia, like increased blood loss or dietary deficiency, or do you have symptoms of iron overload, such as diabetes and liver disease? Our simple blood test measures your ferritin levels (a protein that stores iron in your body) to tell you whether your stored iron is high or low, helping you investigate anaemia or iron overload.
Your health, expertly explained
Go beyond the numbers
Get ready to elevate your health understanding with a personalised doctor's report. Go beyond results and tap into expert insights tailored just for you.
- Actionable advice
- Expert support
- Tailored recommendations
Blood testing made easy
How it works
You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.
Take control of your health with Medichecks – order your blood test today!
Our portal, your results
Track, improve, and monitor your health over time.
MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.
What's in the test?
Iron status
Ferritin
Learn more
Ferritin is a protein which stores iron in your cells and tissues. Usually, the body incorporates iron into haemoglobin to be transported around the body, but when it has a surplus, it stores the remaining iron in ferritin for later use. Measuring ferritin levels gives us a good indication of the amount of iron stored in your body.
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Ferritin Blood Test by following these instructions. Take this test when any symptoms of short-term illness have settled. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.
Test limitations
Reviews
FAQs
What can I learn from this test?
Our Ferritin Blood Test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Because ferritin stores iron, it estimates your body's iron levels and helps detect iron deficiency.
What could my results mean?
If ferritin levels are low, additional tests, including an iron test, TIBC and transferrin test, are used to confirm a diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia. Low ferritin levels indicate iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency include pale skin, fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations. High ferritin levels could indicate haemochromatosis (iron overload syndrome), an inherited condition where your body cannot rid itself of iron, so it accumulates over time. High ferritin levels are also associated with liver inflammation.
What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a complex globular protein that stores iron in an inactive form. It is found in many body cells, especially in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and reticuloendothelial cells. It plays a significant role in the absorption, storage, and release of iron. As your iron stores deplete, the ferritin releases its iron for use. If your ferritin depletes, you will run out of iron and your ability to produce red blood cells in your bone marrow decreases.