What Is Considered a Dangerously Low/High Ferritin Level?

Ferritin blood tests

Ferritin can be requested as a lab investigation in many conditions. They include:

• Anemia: Anemia is classified according to the size of red blood cells into microcytic, normocytic and macrocytic anemia. In microcytic anemia, the size of the red blood cells is decreased. Microcytic anemia can occur in multiple conditions including iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and anemia of chronic illness. The main differentiating factor between them is the status of iron in the body. If the level of ferritin is decreased, it means that the microcytic anemia is most probably due to iron deficiency and that there is decreased iron stores in the body. On the other hand, increased ferritin levels can mean that the anemia is thalassemia, which needs multiple blood transfusions, increasing the body’s iron stores and ferritin.
  In addition to diagnosing anemia, ferritin can be used to monitor the response of anemia to iron therapy. Several markers can also be used including the rise of hemoglobin and reticulocyte count.
• Chronic kidney disease patients: One of the investigations ordered in patients with chronic kidney disease is ferritin level. This is especially important with people undergoing dialysis to help estimate and monitor the iron status of the body.
• Infection: Although ferritin is elevated in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, it is not routinely needed nor requested. It can, however, give a rough estimation of the severity of inflammation.