Interpret Your Ferritin Results
Enter your Ferritin value below and get an instant, free AI interpretation — a plain-English explanation checked against WHO/IFCC reference ranges.
Medical Disclaimer
This AI-generated interpretation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results may vary based on individual health factors not captured here.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Read full disclaimer →
Ferritin Normal Ranges
Ferritin is the main iron storage protein, found primarily inside cells of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
| Age Group | Sex | Reference Range | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18–64) | Male | 20 – 250 | ng/mL | — |
| Adults (18–64) | Female | 10 – 120 | ng/mL | — |
| Elderly (65+) | All | 20 – 300 | ng/mL | — |
Also reported in: µg/L.
Critical (Panic) Values
Critical Low: < 5 ng/mL. Values outside these limits require immediate clinical attention.
Why Doctors Order the Ferritin Test
Ferritin is the best initial test for iron deficiency — it falls before hemoglobin, serum iron, or other markers change. A low ferritin is virtually diagnostic of iron deficiency.
How to Enter Your Ferritin Result
Ferritin can be reported in ng/mL or µg/L. Choose the unit printed next to your result on the lab report so it is compared with the matching reference range.
Reference ranges for Ferritin differ by age and between men and women, so entering your age and sex gives a more accurate reading.
What a Low or High Ferritin Can Be Associated With
Below the reference range
- Iron deficiency (most common cause of low ferritin worldwide)
- Pregnancy (increased iron demand)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (most common cause in reproductive-age women)
- Chronic blood loss (GI bleeding, colorectal cancer)
- Inadequate dietary iron intake (vegetarians, vegans)
Above the reference range
- Hemochromatosis (hereditary iron overload)
- Chronic liver disease (ferritin stored and released from liver)
- Acute phase reaction (infection, inflammation, malignancy)
- Hemolytic anemia and blood transfusions
- Alcoholism
This interpreter flags a result at or below 5 ng/mL as a critical value. Results that extreme are uncommon — contact your doctor promptly, and seek urgent medical care if you feel unwell.
These are common associations, not a diagnosis. A single result is read alongside your symptoms, history and other tests — discuss it with your doctor.
What Can Change Your Ferritin Result
Before you read too much into a result, consider whether any of these applied:
- Inflammation and infection (acute phase reaction — elevates ferritin, masking deficiency)
- Liver disease (elevated ferritin even without iron overload)
- Alcohol ingestion (raises ferritin)
- Hemolysis (releases ferritin from red cells)
Preparing for the test: No fasting required. However, recent acute illness or inflammation will elevate ferritin and mask iron deficiency — consider retesting when the acute illness has resolved.
Symptoms That Often Prompt Ferritin Testing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pallor
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Hair loss (iron deficiency depletes hair follicle stores)
- Restless legs syndrome (iron deficiency is a common cause)
Want the full clinical guide to Ferritin?
Reference ranges, causes, symptoms, preparation, and FAQs.