Ferritin
is an iron storage protein, which is primarily
present in the liver. The level of Ferritin
in bloodstream indicates the total iron
present in your body. This iron is released
when the body needs to produce hemoglobin
in red blood cells (RBCs). Though in small
amounts, Ferritin is also present in spleen,
skeletal muscles, and bone marrow.
The shape of Ferritin is similar to a
hollow sphere that allows the iron to
be stored as ferric hydroxide phosphate
complex. The Ferritin present in liver
and spleen consists of 24 subunits. These
subunits are of 2 types, heavy and light.
Any chromosomal alteration in Ferritin
light chain leads to a disorder called
the hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome.
This syndrome is distinguished by opacities
in the lens of the eye. This disorder
can be identified by the high levels of
Ferritin in the blood.
The Ferritin test is ordered recommended
to analyze the total amount of iron stored
in the body for potential use. This test
is normally done with an iron test and
the TIBC to determine the exact Ferritin
levels in your blood. Ferritin is a perfect
test to determine iron deficiency. It
is also an ideal test to determine if
the body has stored iron in excess.
If
your blood count suggests that your hemoglobin
and hematocrit levels are low, as well
as RBCs are smaller in size and also look
paler, in such a situation, the iron deficiency
is the most probable cause of the anemia.
Therefore, Ferritin and other iron tests
are performed to know if the diagnosis
is correct.
Therefore,
low levels of Ferritin levels indicate
iron deficiency and high levels indicate
hemochromatosis, which is a genetic disease.
However, Ferritin levels may be high in
patients suffering with inflammation,
liver disease, and cancer.
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