Serum Ferritin (Iron Stores) - Serum Ferritin Test

A serum ferritin test measures the concentration of ferritin, an intracellular iron storage protein, in the blood. Serum ferritin levels are directly related to the body's total iron stores (particularly in the liver and reticuloendothelial system). It is considered the gold standard for assessing iron stores. Ferritin levels are low in the very early stages of iron deficiency and high in cases of iron overload (hemochromatosis) or as a response to inflammation (acute phase reaction).