Iron and haematology . Patient guide
Ferritin Blood Test
What is Ferritin
Ferritin is the main protein that stores iron inside cells, and the blood ferritin level is the most useful single marker of how much iron the body has in reserve. According to NICE CKS Anaemia (iron deficiency, August 2024 revision), a serum ferritin below 30 micrograms per litre is diagnostic of iron deficiency irrespective of sex; some hair-restoration clinicians additionally prefer ferritin above 70 ug/L before surgery, though this is specialist opinion rather than a NICE threshold. Iron deficiency is the commonest UK nutritional deficiency, particularly in menstruating women, and ferritin falls long before standard anaemia tests turn abnormal.
This biomarker entry is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NICE, NHS, Royal Colleges and the relevant speciality society where cited).
Reference range
Reported in ng/mL (also seen as µg/L (numerically equal)). Final reports always carry the issuing laboratory's range, which is what your clinician will interpret against.
| Group | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult men | 30 to 400 | lower limit varies between UK labs |
| Adult women (pre-menopause) | 30 to 200 | NICE CKS Anaemia iron deficiency (Aug 2024 revision) treats ferritin under 30 ug/L as iron deficient irrespective of sex |
| Adult women (post-menopause) | 30 to 400 | |
| Trichology view for hair shedding | 70 to 200 | expert opinion (Rushton, Trost), not a NICE threshold; some hair clinicians aim above 70 ug/L when shedding is the presenting issue |
What it is
Iron is mostly held inside cells, bound to ferritin. A small amount of ferritin leaks into the bloodstream and the blood ferritin level reflects total body iron stores. Ferritin is also a mild acute-phase protein, which means it can rise during infection or inflammation, sometimes masking a true deficiency.
Why a clinician would order it
Ferritin is requested in the work-up of fatigue, hair shedding, restless legs, breathlessness on exertion, brittle nails, heavy menstrual bleeding, vegan or vegetarian diet review, post-partum recovery, and as part of pre-operative bloodwork (especially before a hair transplant).
If your level is outside the range
Symptoms of low Ferritin
- Fatigue, especially with exertion
- Hair shedding
- Brittle nails
- Breathlessness on stairs
- Restless legs
- Pica (craving ice or unusual substances)
- Reduced exercise tolerance
What low can indicate. Iron deficiency, often before anaemia appears on a full blood count. Common causes include dietary insufficiency, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy and breastfeeding, malabsorption (coeliac, IBD), or occult gastrointestinal blood loss.
Symptoms of high Ferritin
- Joint pain
- Abdominal discomfort
- Persistent fatigue (uncommon)
- Skin pigmentation changes (advanced cases)
What high can indicate. Inflammation or recent infection (most common reason), iron overload (haemochromatosis), liver disease, regular alcohol intake, or rarely metabolic syndrome.
Testing tips
No fasting required. Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours before testing for a true baseline. If you have had a recent illness, ferritin may be transiently raised and a repeat in 4 to 6 weeks may give a clearer picture.
Where you can get this tested
Ferritin is included in the following WMG Health panels. Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, with results clinician-reviewed.
Want a specific combination of markers we do not have a panel for? Build a custom panel and our clinicians will design one for you.
Symptoms often investigated with Ferritin
Ferritin is commonly tested when patients present with the following symptoms. If any of these resonate with you, the linked guides explain what to look for and which test pathway is appropriate.
Read this marker alongside another
Ferritin is most useful when interpreted together with the markers below. Each guide walks through the 4-quadrant matrix our clinicians use when both come back at once.
Sources
UK guidance our clinicians use when interpreting this marker.
This page is general patient information, not personal medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any interpretation to you. See our Editorial Policy for how we write and review content.
Common questions about Ferritin
What is a normal Ferritin range?
Adult men: 30 to 400 (lower limit varies between UK labs). Adult women (pre-menopause): 30 to 200 (NICE CKS Anaemia iron deficiency (Aug 2024 revision) treats ferritin under 30 ug/L as iron deficient irrespective of sex). Adult women (post-menopause): 30 to 400. Trichology view for hair shedding: 70 to 200 (expert opinion (Rushton, Trost), not a NICE threshold; some hair clinicians aim above 70 ug/L when shedding is the presenting issue). Always interpret your own results against the laboratory range printed on your report, since assay-specific reference ranges vary.
What does a low Ferritin result mean?
Iron deficiency, often before anaemia appears on a full blood count. Common causes include dietary insufficiency, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy and breastfeeding, malabsorption (coeliac, IBD), or occult gastrointestinal blood loss.
What does a high Ferritin result mean?
Inflammation or recent infection (most common reason), iron overload (haemochromatosis), liver disease, regular alcohol intake, or rarely metabolic syndrome.
Do I need to fast or prepare for the Ferritin blood test?
No fasting required. Avoid iron supplements for at least 24 hours before testing for a true baseline. If you have had a recent illness, ferritin may be transiently raised and a repeat in 4 to 6 weeks may give a clearer picture.
Can I order a Ferritin blood test privately in London?
Yes. WMG Health offers Ferritin as part of bespoke panels and several pre-built panels at our 134 Harley Street clinic. Results are clinician-reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor within 4 hours for the most common assays. All panels are custom-built around your specific question; bookings via /contact/ or 020 3239 3378.