Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
- Li Hep Plasma
Sample Processing in Laboratory
Usual
Sample Preparation
Centrifuge
Turnaround Time
1 daySample Stability
Serum or plasma treated with heparin or EDTA may be used.
Samples should be clot-free and free of red blood cells or other particulate matter.
If testing is delayed, store at 2-8˚C for up to 7 days. For longer periods, store serum frozen at -20˚C.
Ferritin
General Information
Measurement of serum ferritin concentration is the best non-invasive test for iron deficiency.
In healthy individuals, ferritin concentrations are usually above 15 ng/mL. The only known cause of a low concentration is depletion of iron stores.
However, ferritin is an acute phase protein and patients with iron deficiency may have plasma concentrations within the reference range when they are acutely ill.
Refer to HEFT Pathology Anaemia Guidelines for more guidance
http://www.heftpathology.com/Clinical-Advice/haematinic-guidelines.html
Ferritin concentration is increased in iron overload, for example haemochromatosis, but may also be increased in some patients with liver disease and come cancers.
Patient Preparation
Samples from patients receiving high biotin doses (i.e. >5 mg/day) should be taken at least 8 hours post dose.
Please inform the laboratory if the patient has been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or may have received them for diagnostic purposes. Iron 2+ and Iron 3+ at therapeutic concentrations do not interfere.
Notes
Samples should be clot-free and free of red blood cells or other particulate matter. The presence of fibrin may cause erroneous results.
Reference Range
New Ferritin reference range (ng/mL) - in use from Monday 4TH December 2023
Females 20 – 235
Males 22 – 501
This change was agreed with consultant haematologists following a recent audit examining the appropriateness of the current Ferritin reference range. If you have any further questions regarding this change, please contact the Duty Biochemist
Previous reference ranges:
Male: 15 - 275 ng/mL
Female: 15 - 204 ng/mL
(Source: Abbott Diagnostics, Anaemia Guidelines (HEFT Pathology)
Specifications
-
EQA Status:
NEQAS