Blood test: ferritin (iron) – education

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What is a blood test?

A blood test is when a blood sample is taken from the body for testing in a laboratory. Doctors order blood tests to check things like glucose levels, hemoglobin, or white blood cells. This can help them identify problems such as an illness or a medical condition. Sometimes blood tests can help you see how well an organ (like the liver or kidneys) is working.

What is a ferritin test?

Ferritin is the protein in the red blood cells that stores iron. A ferritin test helps doctors know how much iron is stored in the body. Iron is needed to form red blood cells. If the ferritin level is low, fewer red blood cells can be formed. Ferritin can be high with some medical conditions.

Why are ferritin tests done??

A ferritin test can be done to check if there is too little or too much iron in the body. A small number of red blood cells is called anemia. A ferritin test can help doctors see if low iron is causing the anemia.

How should we prepare for a ferritin test??

Your child should be able to eat and drink normally, unless there are other tests that require fasting beforehand. Tell your doctor about medications your child has takes, because some drugs could affect the test results. Also tell the doctor if your child has had a blood transfusion. This can affect the ferritin test.

Wearing a t-shirt or a short-sleeved t-shirt for the test can make your child’s job easier, and you can also bring a toy or book to distract you.

How is a ferritin test done??

Most blood tests take a small amount of blood from a vein. To do this, a health professional will:

  • Clean the skin
  • Place a rubber band (tourniquet) over the area to make the veins swell with blood
  • insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside the elbow or on the back of the hand)
  • Draw the blood sample into a vial or syringe
  • Pull off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein

In babies, blood tests are sometimes called "Heel Stick Collection" carried out. After cleaning the area, the doctor will pierce your baby’s heel with a small needle (or lancet) to take a small blood sample.

Collecting a blood sample is temporarily uncomfortable and can feel like a quick pinprick.

Can I stay with my child during a ferritin test?

Parents can usually while have a blood test on your child. Encourage your child to relax and stay still because tensing muscles can make it difficult to draw blood. Your child may want to look away when the needle is inserted and the blood is collected. Help your child relax by taking a deep breath or singing a favorite song.

How long does a ferritin test take??

Most blood tests only take a few minutes. Occasionally, finding a vein can be difficult, so the doctor may need to try more than once.

What happens after a ferritin test??

The doctor will remove the rubber band and needle and cover the area with cotton or a bandage to stop the bleeding. After that, there may be slight bruising that should go away in a few days.

When are ferritin test results ready??

Blood samples are processed by a machine and it can take a day or two for the results to be available. If the test results show signs of a problem, the doctor may order other tests to find out what the problem is and how to treat it.

There are risks from ferritin testing?

A ferritin test is a safe procedure with minimal risk. Some children may feel weak or dizzy when tested. A few children and adolescents are very afraid of needles. If your child is anxious, talk to the doctor about ways to make the procedure easier before testing.

A small bruise or slight pain around the blood sample is common and can be a problem a few days take. Get medical care for your child if the discomfort worsens or lasts longer.

If you have any questions about the ferritin test, talk to your doctor or the doctor who will be taking the blood.

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Christina Cherry
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