US Medical Term · tests
Ferritin Test
Prueba de ferritina
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Ferritin Test |
| Spanish (Español) | Prueba de ferritina |
| Chinese (中文) | 鐵蛋白檢測 |
| Korean (한국어) | 페리틴 검사 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Xét nghiệm ferritin |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Ferritin Test |
| Portuguese (Português) | Exame de ferritina |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การตรวจเฟอร์ริติน |
| Japanese (日本語) | フェリチン検査 |
What it means
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells and releases it when your body needs it. A ferritin blood test measures how much stored iron you have. Low ferritin is one of the earliest signs of iron deficiency, often appearing before anemia develops. High ferritin can result from iron overload disorders (like hemochromatosis), chronic inflammation, liver disease, or certain cancers, since ferritin also acts as an acute-phase protein. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. Fasting is not generally required. Doctors use the ferritin level alongside other iron-studies results to diagnose the cause of fatigue, anemia, or suspected iron overload.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My ferritin level is very low — does that mean I am iron deficient?
Mi nivel de ferritina está muy bajo — ¿significa que tengo deficiencia de hierro?
Can I eat before my ferritin blood test, or do I need to fast?
¿Puedo comer antes de la prueba de ferritina o necesito ayunar?
Why is my ferritin high if I am not taking iron supplements?
¿Por qué tengo la ferritina alta si no estoy tomando suplementos de hierro?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026