A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

Watch

When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.

There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.

Normal

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

High values

• Very high ferritin levels can mean a large buildup of iron in the body (hemochromatosis). One form of this condition is passed on in families (genetic hemochromatosis). Some diseases, including alcohol use disorder, thalassemia, and some types of anemia that cause red blood cells to be destroyed, can also cause hemochromatosis. Also, if you have many blood transfusions, this can sometimes cause the body to store too much iron (acquired hemochromatosis).
• High ferritin levels may also be caused by Hodgkin disease, leukemia, infection, inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis or lupus), or a diet that is too high in iron.
• Too much iron in body organs, such as the pancreas or heart, can affect how the organ works.

Low values

Low ferritin levels often mean an iron deficiency is present. This can be caused by long-term (chronic) blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, not enough iron in the diet, or bleeding inside the intestinal tract (from ulcers, colon polyps (Figure 3), colon cancer, hemorrhoids (Figure 4), or other conditions). In rare cases, too much iron may be lost through the skin (because of a disease such as psoriasis (Figure 5)) or in the urine.

Figure 3 - Colon polyps

Colon polyps are growths in the colon or rectum. The cause of most colon polyps is not known.

Most polyps do not cause symptoms. But large polyps are more likely than small polyps to cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding.

Some polyps are attached to the wall of the colon or rectum by a stalk or stem (pedunculated). Some have a broad base with little or no stalk (sessile).

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 4 - Internal and external hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anal canal. External hemorrhoids develop near the anal opening. Both types can occur at the same time.

Current as of: October 19, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 5 - Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. The result is thick white or red patches of skin. The patches (called plaques) can range in size from small to large. They usually occur on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or lower back.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.