This test measures the amount of iron in the body. Iron is important for red blood cell production.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Anemia of chronic disease

Male: 12-300 ng/mL

Female: 12-150 ng/mL

Note: ng/ml = nanograms per milliliter

The lower the ferritin level, even within the "normal" range, the more likely it is that the patient does not have enough iron.