Haematology

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Notes

Ferritin assay is now performed on the Abbott Alinity i.

Limitations of this assay:

Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti- mouse antibodies (HAMA). Such specimens may show either falsely elevated or depressed values when tested with assay kits such as the Abbott i Ferritin that employ mouse monoclonal antibodies. Additional information may be required for diagnosis.

Heterophilic antibodies in human serum can react with reagent immunoglobulins, interfering with in vitro immunoassays. Patients routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products can be prone to this interference, and anomalous results may be observed.

Serum ferritin values are elevated in the presence of the following conditions and do not reflect actual body iron stores:

Inflammation, significant tissue destruction, liver disease, malignancies (e.g acute leukaemia), therapy with iron supplements.

Please contact the laboratory 01 4162012 for further information regarding limitations to this assay.

Related links

Ferritin plays a significant role in the absorption, storage, and release of iron. As the storage form of iron, ferritin remains in the body tissues until it is needed for erythropoiesis. Ferritin is normally found in serum in low concentrations and is directly proportional to the body’s iron stores. Serum ferritin concentration, when analysed with other factors such as serum iron, iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation is valuable in the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic infection, and conditions such as thalassemia and hemochromatosis that are associated with iron overload.

Reference range

Note new reference range from 24.10.24.

Both male and female: 22 - 275 µg/L

Last updated

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:29:05 GMT