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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Ferritin
Ferritin reflects the iron the body has put away for later. A low level may reveal depleted reserves before the blood count shows anaemia.
Price for this test on its ownAED 155Test price AED 55
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Ferritin test measure?
Also called Stored Iron
Ferritin may help explain iron deficiency even before haemoglobin falls. It is also useful in investigating a high iron measurement or following iron replacement.
When it may be requested
Unexplained anaemia
Low stores can support iron deficiency even before red cell changes become pronounced.
Checking repletion
The clinician may review ferritin after an agreed iron treatment period to assess stores.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
Ferritin alone does not usually need a fast. If iron studies are also booked, follow their morning fasting instructions. Ask about the timing of iron supplements and mention recent infection or iron infusion.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideFerritin
Reading your result
A low ferritin supports depleted iron reserves. A high value has several explanations, including inflammation and liver conditions, so an isolated elevation cannot establish iron overload.
What can affect it
- Inflammation can mask depleted iron stores by increasing ferritin.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testFerritin
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Ferritin in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Take the blood count and any recent CRP or transferrin saturation to the review. If iron stores are low, discuss why they may have fallen.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
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Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Can iron deficiency coexist with a normal ferritin?
Yes. Inflammation can raise ferritin and mask low iron stores. Your clinician may compare the blood count, transferrin saturation and markers of inflammation.
What are the symptoms of low ferritin?
Tiredness, lower exercise tolerance, breathlessness on exertion, headaches, brittle nails, hair shedding and restless legs are typical. They can appear before haemoglobin falls, so a normal blood count does not rule out low iron stores.
What is the difference between ferritin and serum iron?
Ferritin reflects stored iron. Serum iron is iron in transit at that moment, and it swings with meals, supplements and time of day. Ferritin is the better single test of stores; serum iron is read with transferrin saturation as part of an iron panel.
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A broad whole-body screen covering blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers.
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- Listed turnaround
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An extensive panel for active individuals, covering inflammation, iron, metabolic, hormonal, thyroid and nutritional status.
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Our most complete checkup: everything in Elite plus advanced cardiac and metabolic markers (hs-CRP, homocysteine, insulin and more).
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- Listed turnaround
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Your next step
Ferritin test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.