Ferritin (iron store) Lab Test – At-Home Sampling

Do you want to check your body's iron stores? The ferritin test measures ferritin levels in a capillary blood sample collected at home. Ferritin serves as a key marker for stored iron and can provide important information in cases of fatigue or suspected iron deficiency.

The test at a glance

• Sample collection entirely at home
• Capillary blood from the fingertip
• Quantitative laboratory results
• Medical laboratory accredited to ISO 15189
• Quality assurance according to Rili-BÄK
• Digital results in your personal health portal

What does the ferritin test measure?

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. A low ferritin level may indicate depleted or reduced iron stores. However, ferritin levels can also rise due to inflammation, infection, and certain other conditions, which must be taken into account when interpreting the results.

Common symptoms and when the test may be relevant

The test may be relevant in cases of fatigue, heavy menstruation, low iron intake, or a history of iron deficiency, or when you wish to monitor the effect of a prescribed treatment. Ferritin is an important marker but does not always provide a complete picture of iron status.

• fatigue and low energy
• shortness of breath upon exertion
• headache or dizziness
• heart palpitations
• difficulty concentrating
• restless legs

The symptoms are non-specific and may have other causes. Significant symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Who is this test for?

• For those who want to check their body's iron stores.
• For those with heavy periods or low iron intake.
• For those who want to monitor a previous ferritin level.
• For those who prefer home testing.

How the home lab test works

1. Order the test. You receive a complete sample collection kit.
2. Read the instructions. Prepare the materials and warm your hands to improve blood flow.
3. Take the sample at home. Prick your fingertip and collect liquid capillary blood in the test tube according to the instructions.
4. Send the sample. Label, seal, and pack the sample, then send it to the laboratory using the provided return materials.
5. Laboratory analysis. The sample is analyzed using a quality-assured laboratory method.
6. View the result digitally. The laboratory result is displayed in your personal health portal.

Before sample collection

Follow the instructions in the sample collection kit. Iron supplements and ongoing inflammation may be relevant to the interpretation. Do not alter prescribed treatment without consulting a healthcare professional.

Laboratory and quality

The sample is analyzed at a medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189. The laboratory's quality assurance also complies with Rili-BÄK, the German Medical Association's guideline for quality assurance in laboratory medical testing.

• Sample material: liquid capillary blood
• Collection site: at home
• Result: digital laboratory report
• Turnaround time: transport time and the scope of the analysis affect the total time

Results and reference values

You will receive a quantitative result—including the laboratory's unit of measurement and the applicable reference range—in your personal health portal. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories and can sometimes be influenced by individual factors. An abnormal result is not a diagnosis in itself.

Do you want a broader picture of your iron status?

Complete Iron Status is intended for a broader analysis of iron-related markers.

Important information about the result

The test provides information about the analyzed markers but does not provide a diagnosis and does not replace medical assessment or treatment. Contact a healthcare provider in the event of abnormal results, distinct or persistent symptoms, or concerns.

Frequently asked questions about ferritin

What does ferritin indicate?

Ferritin is primarily used as a marker for the body's stored iron.

Can you have low ferritin without anemia?

Yes. Iron stores can be low before anemia has developed.

Can inflammation affect ferritin levels?

Yes. Ferritin levels can rise during inflammation and infection, which can make the result more difficult to interpret.

Can iron deficiency cause fatigue?

Yes, but fatigue is a non-specific symptom and can have many other causes.

Should I start taking iron supplements if my level is low?

The cause of a low level should be evaluated. Consult a healthcare professional before starting high doses or long-term iron treatment.

How do I get the result?

The result is displayed digitally, showing the laboratory's unit of measurement and the relevant reference ranges.