Iron is an essential mineral needed by the human body and is only absorbed through the diet. Normal iron when absorbed into the bloodstream exists in the form of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions, while the other part is stored in the form of ferritin, which contains about 20% of the total iron in the body. Therefore, serum iron testing in general and Ferritin testing in particular will help assess iron metabolism disorders in the body.

ferritin test will help your doctor know how much iron your body stores. If your ferritin test shows that your ferritin level in the blood is lower than normal, it means that your body's iron stores are low. Conversely, if your ferritin test result is higher than normal, it is possible that you have iron overload.

Your body relies on the iron in red blood cells to carry oxygen. Without enough iron, your red blood cells can't deliver enough oxygen. But too much iron is bad, too. Both high and low iron levels are serious problems. If your doctor suspects you have iron deficiency or iron overload, he or she will order a ferritin test. This test measures the amount of iron stored in your body, giving your doctor a picture of your iron levels.

Tests to evaluate iron metabolism disorders are often prescribed together in cases where the results of the complete blood cell analysis are abnormal or the patient is tired, dizzy, weak, has pale skin, pale mucous membranes, and has symptoms of iron deficiency or iron poisoning.