How reports print it
FERRFERФерритин в сыворотке
What it shows
The protein that stores iron. Ferritin shows how much iron the body keeps in reserve.
Units and conversion
Base unit: µg/L. Most common on Russian reports: ng/mL.
- 1 ng/mL = 1 µg/L
Typical ranges
Your laboratory’s range comes first — it is printed on the report next to the result. Below is one laboratory’s adult range with its method: a reference, not a rule.
| Who | Range, µg/L |
|---|---|
| Men | 20–250 |
| Women | 10–120 |
Range source: Лаборатория Хеликс — Ферритин
Good to know
With inflammation ferritin can look ordinary even when iron is low, so it is read together with CRP. WHO (2020): in adults with infection or inflammation, ferritin below 70 µg/L may indicate low iron. ng/mL and µg/L are equal.
Why it can be higher
Common reasons discussed with a doctor. This is not a diagnosis.
- Inflammation and infection: ferritin rises and can hide low iron
- Liver conditions
- Alcohol
- Iron overload — a doctor looks into it
Why it can be lower
- Low iron intake or poor absorption
- Blood loss, including heavy periods
- Pregnancy
What to ask a doctor
- Should CRP be checked to rule out the effect of inflammation?
- How does ferritin fit with haemoglobin?
Whom to see
A GP or internist.