Abnormal circulating ferritin concentration

What it means

A deviation from the normal circulating concentration of ferritin. Ferritin concentration can be measured in serum or plasma.

Ferritin is an iron storage protein present in all cells of the organism. A small amount is found in plasma and serum, which is a reflection of iron stores in healthy individuals. A low serum ferritin concentration is usually regarded as an indicator of iron depletion, although the interpretation of normal or high serum ferritin values is challenging in the presence of acute or chronic inflammatory processes, as ferritin is increased in iron overload states and inflammation.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Abnormal plasma ferritin