Specimen Type: Serum

Specimen Required: 3-5 Cc Yellow Top Gel Vial

Day Performed: Daily

Reporting Time: 8-24 Hours   

Methodology: Beckman Coulter Access II/ Snibe Maglumi 4000

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

A higher-than-normal ferritin level may be due to:

• Liver disease due to alcohol abuse
• An autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Frequent transfusion of red blood cells
• Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)

A lower-than-normal level of ferritin occurs if anemia is caused by low iron levels in the body. This type of anemia may be due to:

• A diet too low in iron
• Heavy bleeding from an injury
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Poor absorption of iron from food, medicines, or vitamins
• Bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines