Test Database

Description

The Architect ferritin assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle intrinsic factor for the quantitative determination of ferritin in human serum or plasma. Due to the relocation of the Nutristasis service to the Blackfriars Hub site, this test is not currently accredited by UKAS to ISO15189

Clinical details

Ferritin is a ubiquitous intracellular protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. About teo-thirds of the iron stores in the human body exist in the form of ferritin. The clinical assessment of iron stores has clinically relied on the determination of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and percent transferrin (ratio of serum iron and TIBC) or direct examination of bone marrow. Recent literature suggests that ferritin provides a more sensitive, specific and reliable measurement for determining iron deficiency at an early stage.

Related condition

microcytic anaemia, inflammatory disorders, infections, thalassemia, haemochromatosis

Reference range

Females cut-offs

• 0-5 yrs – 12-150 ug/L
• ≥6 yrs- 15-150 ug/L

Males cut-offs

• 0-5 yrs – 12-200 ug/L
• ≥6 yrs- 15-200 ug/L

Units

ug/L

Synonyms

iron storage protein

Testing site

Synnovis : Reference Services : Blackfriars Hub

Laboratory

Nutristasis Unit