Book Ferritin Test in Bardhaman

The Ferritin test is a blood test that measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells. Ferritin acts as the primary iron storage protein and is found predominantly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The level of ferritin in the blood directly reflects the total amount of iron stored in the body, making it the single most reliable and sensitive indicator of the body's iron reserves. When iron stores are depleted, ferritin levels fall before haemoglobin levels drop, making the ferritin test the earliest marker of iron deficiency anaemia, even before the patient develops any symptoms. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), more than 57% of women between 15 and 49 years of age and approximately 67% of children under five are anaemic in India, with iron deficiency being the leading cause in the majority of cases. Despite this widespread prevalence, ferritin testing remains underutilised in routine diagnostics across India, with many patients being diagnosed with iron deficiency only after their haemoglobin has already fallen significantly. Regular ferritin testing allows for early identification and correction of iron deficiency before it progresses to symptomatic anaemia, making it a critical preventive and diagnostic tool for Indian patients. The test involves a simple blood draw of approximately 2 ml from a vein in the arm and is completed in under five minutes.

ency anaemia in patients presenting with fatigue, weakness, pallor, shortness of breath, and dizziness. A low ferritin is the earliest and most sensitive confirmation of depleted iron stores, preceding the fall in haemoglobin. Investigating unexplained fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, and reduced exercise tolerance even in the absence of anaemia, as tissue iron deficiency can cause these symptoms before haemoglobin levels are affected. Evaluating hair loss in women, where low ferritin is one of the most commonly identified and correctable causes of diffuse hair thinning and increased hair shedding in Indian women of reproductive age. Assessing iron status in pregnant women, as iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy and iron deficiency is associated with adverse outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight. Ferritin testing is increasingly recommended at the first antenatal visit across Indian hospitals. Monitoring iron replacement therapy in patients being treated with oral or intravenous iron supplements to assess whether iron stores are being replenished adequately and to guide the duration of treatment. Investigating elevated ferritin in patients with suspected iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis, where excess iron accumulation in organs including the liver and heart can cause serious damage. Evaluating ferritin as an inflammatory marker in conditions such as adult-onset Still's disease, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and severe infections where ferritin levels can rise to extremely high levels as part of the acute phase response. Monitoring ferritin in patients with chronic kidney disease, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and malignancy where ferritin levels are frequently elevated due to chronic inflammation rather than true iron excess.

The Ferritin test measures the concentration of ferritin protein in the blood, reported in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) or micrograms per litre (ug/L), which are equivalent units. Normal Ferritin Range in India Normal ferritin values vary significantly by sex and age. The standard reference ranges used across most Indian diagnostic laboratories are as follows. For adult men, a normal ferritin level is between 24 and 336 ng/mL. For adult women of reproductive age, a normal ferritin level is between 11 and 307 ng/mL. For postmenopausal women, ferritin levels naturally rise and the upper limit of normal approaches that of men. Interpreting Ferritin Results A ferritin level below 12 ng/mL confirms absent iron stores and is diagnostic of iron deficiency regardless of haemoglobin level. This is the threshold at which iron supplementation is almost universally indicated. A ferritin level between 12 and 30 ng/mL indicates depleted but not yet absent iron stores. Many patients in this range already experience symptoms of iron deficiency including fatigue, hair loss, and poor concentration, even with a normal haemoglobin. This range is extremely common in Indian women of reproductive age. A ferritin level above 200 ng/mL in women or above 300 ng/mL in men, particularly when not explained by inflammation or infection, raises concern for iron overload and warrants further evaluation. A very high ferritin level above 1000 ng/mL is frequently seen as an acute phase reactant in active infections, inflammatory conditions, liver disease, and malignancy, where the elevation reflects inflammation rather than true iron excess. Your doctor will interpret elevated ferritin in the context of other inflammatory markers such as CRP and ESR.

Preparation for a Ferritin test requires some specific attention. Fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the test is recommended for the most accurate ferritin result. Recent food intake, particularly iron-rich foods, can transiently affect ferritin levels. Our team confirms preparation requirements at the time of booking. Do not take iron supplements on the day of the test unless specifically advised by your doctor, as a recently ingested iron dose can transiently raise serum ferritin and produce a misleadingly normal result in a patient who is actually iron deficient. Inform the phlebotomist about all medications and supplements you are currently taking including iron tablets, multivitamins, and any recent blood transfusions, as all of these can affect ferritin levels. Avoid scheduling the ferritin test during or immediately after an acute illness, active infection, or inflammatory flare, as ferritin is an acute phase reactant and its levels can be significantly elevated in these conditions, masking underlying iron deficiency. Stay normally hydrated before sample collection. Drinking water normally before the test is recommended.

If you are booking through SecondMedic platform the Ferritin test price in Bardhaman can cost you around Rs. 825. The exact price for your Ferritin test in Bardhaman will be confirmed at the time of booking through SecondMedic. If your doctor has prescribed multiple tests alongside Ferritin, SecondMedic health packages available in Bardhaman include Ferritin as part of a broader anaemia or iron deficiency panel at a significantly lower combined price.

SecondMedic provides home sample collection for Ferritin test across all major areas of Bardhaman. You do not need to visit a lab or collection centre. A certified and trained phlebotomist comes to your home or workplace at your chosen time, collects the sample using sterile single-use equipment, and ensures it is transported to the NABL-accredited lab within the required time window for accurate processing. Please note that SecondMedic provides free home sample collection on all tests priced above Rs. 300. Our team will check your pincode and confirm if your address in Bardhaman falls under our free sample collection eligibility criteria, which depends upon the lab location and phlebotomist availability. Home collection in Bardhaman is available between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Enter your pincode on the booking page or call our helpline to confirm availability at your address in Bardhaman.