Ferritin tests

For iron levels

Ferritin helps to store iron in your cells. It is mostly found in your liver but there is some in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood can tell doctors how much iron is stored in the rest of your body.

You might have a ferritin test:

as part of a Full liver screen
to test for a liver condition called haemochromatosis
to rule out other possible problems
if you are suffering from fatigue or extreme tiredness

On this page:

Having a ferritin iron test

A blood sample will be taken, usually from your arm. You might be asked not to eat, and to only drink water, for 12 hours before your blood is taken.

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What do my results mean?

Your results will be compared to a reference range. Sometimes called a “normal range”. You can find out more about reference ranges here.

A low ferritin level means you do not have enough iron stored in your body. This can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

High ferritin can be caused by some types of liver disease. Including haemochromatosis .

But a higher than normal amount of ferritin in the blood does not always mean there is a problem. Other things can also increase ferritin levels. You may have another test called transferrin saturation to get more information.

Doctors will need to look at the results of all your tests to make a diagnosis.

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This content was last reviewed: July 2025

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including PProfessor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust and Dr Laura-Jane Armstrong, Associate GP, Avonside Health Centre. And all our patient reviewers.

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Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.