Ferritin Assay

Department of Haematology

Notes

• Ferritins are no longer performed on elderly patients in the acute setting unless there is a specific indication.
• Ferritin is an acute phase protein, and as such iron deficiency cannot be confidently excluded in patients with inflammatory conditions unless the Ferritin is >100 µg/L
• This test can be added on to a previous request if the laboratory has an appropriate sample that is less than 5 days old.
• This test is not repeated if it has been performed within the last 3 months.
• Grossly haemolysed, lipaemic or icteric samples may give erroneous results and will not be processed.
• See also: Vitamin B12 and Serum Folate assays
• Test performed at CGH.

Sample Requirements

Clotted sample (5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube) or EDTA sample

or

Please note: Whilst Ferritins can be performed on EDTA, Serum B12 and Folate can only be performed on clotted samples (gold / red top).

Turnaround Time

Routine: within 3 working days of request

Reference Ranges