---
title: "Ferritin test: what it measures, normal levels, and what low or high ferritin means"
type: biomarker
url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/ferritin"
also_known_as:
  - ferritin
category: Iron & Anemia
units:
  - ng/mL
order_price_usd: 24.99
order_item: Ferritin
order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/ferritin"
reviewed_at: 2026-09-17
---

# Ferritin test: what it measures, normal levels, and what low or high ferritin means

> Ferritin is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 24.0 – 336 ng/mL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $24.99 all-in as Ferritin, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.

Ferritin is the protein that stores iron, and the ferritin blood test is the single best measure of how much iron your body has in reserve. It falls before anemia develops, which makes it the first test for suspected iron deficiency. Lab ranges run roughly 24–336 ng/mL for men and 11–307 ng/mL for women, but a result under 30 ng/mL usually means stores are depleted, and inflammation can push a low-iron result into the normal range.

Also known as: ferritin.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Units | ng/mL |
| Sample | Blood draw |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Results | 1–3 business days |
| Price | $24.99 |
| Labs | Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ |

## What does a ferritin test measure?

Ferritin is a hollow protein shell that packs away iron inside cells — mostly in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and muscle — so it can be released when the body needs to make hemoglobin. A small amount leaks into the blood in proportion to those stores, and that is what the serum ferritin test measures, in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL, identical to µg/L).

Because it tracks the reserve rather than the iron currently in transit, ferritin is more informative than a serum iron level, which swings with meals and time of day. It is also the earliest marker to fall: stores drain first, then the iron available for red-cell production drops, and only then do hemoglobin and red-cell size fall enough to be called anemia. A low ferritin with a normal hemoglobin is iron deficiency without anemia — common, symptomatic and worth finding.

Ferritin has one important complication: it is also an acute-phase reactant, meaning the liver releases more of it during infection, inflammation, liver injury and some cancers regardless of iron stores. That is why it is often read with CRP and transferrin saturation rather than alone.

## Who should get a ferritin test?

Ferritin is the test for anyone with symptoms of low iron: persistent fatigue, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath on exertion, brain fog, headaches, restless legs, hair shedding, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, cravings for ice or non-food items, and a sore or smooth tongue. It is the natural follow-up to a complete blood count showing small (low MCV) or pale red cells, or a hemoglobin in the low-normal range.

Certain groups lose or under-absorb iron and are tested more readily: menstruating women, especially with heavy periods; pregnant women and women planning pregnancy; endurance athletes; vegetarians and vegans; frequent blood donors; people with celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, previous gastric surgery or long-term acid-suppressing medication; and anyone with gastrointestinal bleeding, including men and postmenopausal women in whom iron deficiency itself is a reason to look for a source.

At the other end, ferritin is checked when iron overload is a possibility: a family history of hereditary hemochromatosis, unexplained liver enzyme elevation, joint pain with fatigue in middle age, or as part of monitoring after repeated transfusions. It also tracks the response to iron treatment.

## How to get a ferritin test and prepare for it

Ferritin is a standard blood draw with no fasting requirement of its own; if it is bundled with serum iron and transferrin saturation, a morning fasting draw makes those companion values more reliable. Taking an iron supplement the day of the test spikes serum iron but changes ferritin very little, so there is no need to stop iron for the test itself — just tell whoever interprets the result that you are taking it.

Timing around illness matters more than timing around meals. Because ferritin rises with inflammation, a draw during or in the two to three weeks after an infection, flare or injury can read falsely reassuring. If you have been sick, wait until you have recovered, or ask for a CRP alongside so the reader can see whether inflammation is present.

You can order ferritin on its own or inside an iron or anemia panel online through TestWell; a physician reviews the order, you visit a nearby Quest or Labcorp patient service center, and results appear in your portal within a few business days.

## What is the normal range for Ferritin?

| Population | Reference range |
| --- | --- |
| Male, age 18+ | 24.0 – 336 ng/mL |
| Female, age 18+ | 11.0 – 307 ng/mL |

Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them.

## Normal ferritin levels — and why the lab range is not the whole story

The reference ranges printed on lab reports are wide — around 24 to 336 ng/mL for adult men and 11 to 307 ng/mL for adult women in the range TestWell's catalog uses — because they describe the spread in the general population, which includes many people with unrecognized iron deficiency and many with mild inflammation. They are not the same as the level at which iron stores are adequate.

For diagnosis, guidelines draw the line higher than the bottom of the lab range. The British Society of Gastroenterology's 2021 guideline treats a ferritin below 30 ng/mL as diagnostic of iron deficiency in adults, with a specificity above 90%; the World Health Organization uses below 15 ng/mL as the threshold for depleted stores in healthy adults and below 70 ng/mL in people with infection or inflammation. In practice a ferritin between 15 and 30 ng/mL in a woman is 'within range' on the report and still indicates empty stores. Some clinicians aim higher for specific problems such as restless legs or hair shedding, though the evidence for those targets is weaker.

| Ferritin (ng/mL) | Usual interpretation |
| --- | --- |
| below 15 | Depleted iron stores (WHO threshold for healthy adults) |
| 15–29 | Iron deficiency likely (BSG: below 30 is diagnostic in adults) |
| 30–99 | Adequate in most healthy people; may still be deficient if CRP is raised |
| 100–300 | Normal stores; in inflammation, deficiency is unlikely above 100 |
| above 300 (men) / 200 (women) | Raised — inflammation, liver disease, metabolic syndrome, alcohol or iron overload; check transferrin saturation |
| above 1,000 | Markedly raised — needs prompt clinical evaluation |

_Thresholds from the British Society of Gastroenterology (2021) and WHO (2020); your report's printed range describes the population, not adequacy._

## Ferritin and inflammation: when a normal result hides iron deficiency

Any process that activates the immune system — a cold, a dental infection, an autoimmune flare, obesity's low-grade inflammation, chronic kidney disease, heart failure or cancer — raises ferritin independently of iron. In these settings a person with genuinely empty stores can have a ferritin of 60, 80 or more. A CRP drawn at the same time reveals whether inflammation is present, and transferrin saturation (serum iron divided by total iron-binding capacity) helps because it falls in true deficiency; a saturation under about 20% with a 'normal' ferritin and a raised CRP is a common picture of hidden iron deficiency.

This is why ferritin is interpreted as part of an iron panel rather than as a stand-alone number in anyone who is unwell, and why the WHO applies a much higher cut-off in the presence of inflammation.

## High ferritin: inflammation, liver and metabolic causes, and iron overload

Most high ferritin results are not iron overload. In order of how often they turn up, the usual explanations are inflammation or infection, fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome, regular alcohol use, other liver injury, and then true iron overload from hereditary hemochromatosis, repeated transfusions or long-term iron therapy. Very high values — in the thousands — appear with severe infection, some blood cancers, hemophagocytic syndromes and adult-onset Still's disease.

The test that separates overload from the rest is transferrin saturation: a saturation above 45% alongside a raised ferritin points toward iron loading and usually leads to HFE gene testing for hemochromatosis. A high ferritin with a normal saturation is far more often metabolic or inflammatory, and improves when the underlying cause is addressed. The high-ferritin section below lists the causes, symptoms and follow-up tests in more detail.

## What happens after a low or high ferritin result

A low ferritin confirms iron deficiency; the next question is why. In menstruating women heavy periods are the usual answer, but guidelines advise that men and postmenopausal women with iron deficiency have their gastrointestinal tract evaluated for a source of blood loss, and that celiac disease be tested for in everyone, because it is a common silent cause of poor absorption. A complete blood count shows whether anemia has developed, and the form and route of iron replacement are decided with a clinician based on severity, tolerance and cause.

Ferritin refills slowly: hemoglobin improves within weeks of effective treatment, but ferritin needs roughly three months of consistent iron before a recheck can confirm stores have recovered. A high ferritin is followed with CRP, liver enzymes, a metabolic check and transferrin saturation, with genetic testing and imaging reserved for the overload pattern.

## What does a high Ferritin mean?

Ferritin rises with iron overload, but far more often with inflammation, infection, liver disease, heavy alcohol use, obesity and metabolic syndrome, because ferritin is also an acute-phase protein. Transferrin saturation is the test that separates true iron overload (saturation high) from inflammation (saturation normal or low). Hereditary hemochromatosis is the important cause not to miss.

### Common causes of high Ferritin

1. Inflammation or infection (including a recent cold)
2. Fatty liver, alcohol use, other liver disease
3. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes
4. Hereditary hemochromatosis or transfusion-related iron overload
5. Hyperthyroidism, some cancers and blood disorders
6. Iron supplements or infusions

### Symptoms that go with high Ferritin

- Usually none from the ferritin itself
- Joint pain, fatigue, bronze skin, liver enlargement in true overload

### What clinicians usually check next

- Iron with TIBC and transferrin saturation — saturation above about 45% points to overload
- CRP and liver enzymes to look for inflammation and liver disease
- HFE gene testing when saturation is high
- Repeat ferritin when well if a recent illness could explain it

Follow-up tests at TestWell: [Transferrin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/transferrin) ($23.99), [C-Reactive Protein (CRP)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/crp) ($26.99).

**My ferritin is 400 — do I have hemochromatosis?** Not necessarily. Most ferritin in that range is inflammation, liver or metabolic-related. A transferrin saturation under 45% makes hemochromatosis unlikely; above it, genetic testing is the next step.

## What does a low Ferritin mean?

Low ferritin means depleted iron stores and is the earliest, most specific marker of iron deficiency — it falls before hemoglobin does. In menstruating women, heavy periods are the usual cause; in men and post-menopausal women, blood loss from the gut needs to be considered even when there are no symptoms. Diet, malabsorption (celiac disease) and frequent blood donation are other common causes.

### Common causes of low Ferritin

1. Heavy menstrual bleeding
2. Gastrointestinal blood loss — ulcers, NSAIDs, polyps, celiac disease, colon lesions
3. Low dietary iron (vegetarian/vegan diets, restricted eating)
4. Malabsorption: celiac disease, bariatric surgery, acid-suppressing medication
5. Pregnancy, endurance training, frequent blood donation

### Symptoms that go with low Ferritin

- Fatigue and poor exercise tolerance
- Hair shedding, brittle nails
- Restless legs, ice craving
- Shortness of breath and pale skin if anemia develops

### What clinicians usually check next

- CBC to see whether anemia is present yet
- Celiac screen if no obvious blood loss or dietary cause
- In men and post-menopausal women, a clinician typically evaluates the GI tract
- Recheck ferritin 8–12 weeks after starting iron replacement

Follow-up tests at TestWell: [CBC with Differential](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential) ($21.99), [CBC (Complete Blood Count)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc) ($21.99).

### Seek care promptly if

- Low ferritin with black or bloody stools, or with dizziness and a racing heart — see a clinician promptly

**What ferritin level is too low?** Below the lab's lower limit (commonly 11–30 ng/mL) is iron deficiency. Many clinicians consider levels under 30 ng/mL low when symptoms fit, and some target higher in athletes and people with hair loss or restless legs.

**Can ferritin be low with a normal hemoglobin?** Yes — that's iron deficiency without anemia, the stage where treating it prevents anemia from developing.

## How often should you retest?

Ferritin refills slowly. When treating iron deficiency, hemoglobin usually improves within a few weeks, but ferritin needs roughly 3 months of consistent iron before a recheck can confirm stores have recovered (British Society of Gastroenterology guidance). Because ferritin also rises with inflammation, a result drawn during or just after an illness can read falsely reassuring — retest once you're well.

## How do you get tested for Ferritin?

| Order | Type | Price | Includes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Ferritin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/ferritin) | Single test | $24.99 | This marker |
| [Baseline Anemia Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/anemia-panel) | Panel | $74.99 | 5 tests |
| [Fatty Liver Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fatty-liver-panel) | Panel | $92.99 | 6 tests |
| [Post-COVID Recovery Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/post-covid-panel) | Panel | $99.99 | 7 tests |
| [Inflammation Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/inflammation-panel) | Panel | $119.99 | 7 tests |

## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference

| Lab | Available | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $24.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. |
| Labcorp | Yes | $25.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $25.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. |

## Common questions about Ferritin

### Is a ferritin of 20 or 25 ng/mL normal?

It is inside many lab ranges but usually not adequate: below 30 ng/mL is diagnostic of iron deficiency in adults according to the British Society of Gastroenterology, and below 15 ng/mL means stores are depleted by WHO criteria — even though many lab reports print a lower limit of 11 or 24 ng/mL. If inflammation is present, deficiency is possible up to about 70–100 ng/mL.

### Can ferritin be normal and I still be iron deficient?

Yes. Ferritin rises with infection, inflammation, liver disease and obesity, so a truly iron-deficient person can have a normal-looking result. A CRP and transferrin saturation drawn at the same time show whether that is happening.

### Do I need to fast for a ferritin test?

Not for ferritin itself. If your order also includes serum iron and transferrin saturation, a morning fasting draw makes those values more reliable. Avoid testing while you are sick or just recovering, because inflammation raises ferritin.

### What is the difference between a ferritin test and an iron test?

Serum iron measures the iron in transit in your blood at that moment and swings with meals, supplements and time of day. Ferritin measures stored iron and is stable, which is why it is the better first test for deficiency. An iron panel reports both plus TIBC and transferrin saturation.

### What causes high ferritin?

Most often inflammation or infection, fatty liver and the metabolic syndrome, alcohol use, or other liver disease. Iron overload from hereditary hemochromatosis is less common and is suggested when transferrin saturation is also above 45%.

### How long does it take for ferritin to go up?

Roughly three months of consistent iron replacement before a recheck can confirm that stores have recovered. Hemoglobin usually improves earlier, within a few weeks.

### Do I need a doctor's order to test my ferritin?

No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.

### How long does it take to get Ferritin results?

Most Ferritin results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.

### How much does a Ferritin test cost?

Our Ferritin starts at $24.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

### Do I need to fast before my Ferritin test?

Fasting is not required for the Ferritin test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.

### Which lab will process my Ferritin test?

Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.

## Keep reading

- [Blood Tests for Women's Health](https://www.test-well.com/guides/blood-tests-for-womens-health)
- [Blood Tests for Athletes](https://www.test-well.com/guides/blood-tests-for-athletes)
- [How to Read Your Blood Test Results](https://www.test-well.com/guides/how-to-read-your-blood-test-results)
- [Fatigue: which blood tests?](https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/fatigue)
- [Hair loss: which blood tests?](https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/hair-loss)
- [Restless legs: which blood tests?](https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/restless-legs)
- [Heavy periods: which blood tests?](https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/heavy-periods)
- [Shortness of breath: which blood tests?](https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/shortness-of-breath)
- [Dizziness and lightheadedness: which blood tests?](https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/dizziness)
- [Brain fog: which blood tests?](https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/brain-fog)
- [Before your test: Iron supplements](https://www.test-well.com/prep/iron-supplements)
- [Before your test: Recent illness](https://www.test-well.com/prep/recent-illness)

## Sources

- [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/9136)
- [British Society of Gastroenterology — Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults (2021)](https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325210)
- [World Health Organization — Guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status (2020)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240000124)
- [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Ferritin Blood Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ferritin-blood-test/)
- [NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Iron Fact Sheet for Health Professionals](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/)

## Related biomarkers

- [Iron](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/iron)
- [TIBC](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/tibc)
- [Iron Saturation](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/iron-saturation)
- [Transferrin](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/transferrin)

- [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup)
- [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter)
- [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers)

---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-17. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md

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Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.