N/A
Biochemistry
Royal Stoke University Hospital, County Hospital, Leighton Hospital, Macclesfield District General Hospital
Add-on requests: are accepted up to 72 hours post sampling.
Minimum Retest Interval: 27 days (except for renal locations – 20 days)
Sample Collection Instructions:
Collect the sample using normal venepuncture technique into a serum gel tube (gold-top)
Sample Transport & Stability Information:
Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the same day as collection to ensure sample integrity is maintained. If a delay in receipt of the sample is anticipated, please contact the laboratory to discuss storage requirements.
Stable in separated serum for 5 days at room temperature, 5 days at 4-8oC and 1-2 years at -20oC.
For generic information on test requesting, sample labelling and packaging, and sample transport – see the frequently asked questions here.
Adult sample type:
Paediatric sample type:
Plain serum
Based on receipt at testing site.
Within 24 hours.
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Royal Stoke University & County Hospitals
Leighton & Macclesfield Hospital
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Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.
Investigation and monitoring of iron-deficiency anaemia or iron overload (including haemochromatosis).
Low values indicate iron deficiency.
Normal values make iron-deficiency unlikely in the absence of acute or chronic illness.
If ferritin raised, and patient is not on iron therapy, then test should be repeated on a fasting sample, along with transferrin saturation (TSAT), preferably in the absence of acute illness.
Haemochromatosis (HFE) genotyping should be considered if TSAT and ferritin are persistently raised
Factors that significantly affect result
Ferritin is a positive acute phase protein, and levels may be falsely increased in infection/inflammation.
There are a number of non-pathological factors that can influence levels of specific analytes, giving falsely elevated or reduced levels. If you require more information regarding the effects of these factors on the individual test results, please contact the Duty Biochemist.
Serum/plasma samples are routinely screened for the presence of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia. Results are not reported if one or more of these has been detected at levels deemed to have had a significant impact on the accuracy of the test.
For more information, please see the following: Ferritin – Lab Tests Online
Reviewed / Updated On: 19/11/2025
