Ferritin Blood Test
Ferritin is the gold-standard marker for your iron stores — more reliable than measuring iron in your blood directly.
What Ferritin measures
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. The amount circulating in your blood reflects how much iron you have in long-term reserve. Iron levels in your blood bounce around with food, time of day, and inflammation; ferritin is a steadier signal. It's the single most useful number when investigating fatigue, heavy periods, restless legs, or low energy in training.
Who should consider checking Ferritin
Have you noticed any of these:
- tired despite enough sleep
- heavy periods
- vegetarian or vegan diet
- restless legs at night
- shortness of breath on stairs or in training
- after pregnancy or significant blood loss
How the test works
Single blood draw, ideally fasted (8 hours, water OK) for the most accurate reading. Stop iron supplements 24–48 hours before testing if your doctor agrees. Results back same day.
What "normal" can look like
Reference ranges for ferritin vary across Australian labs and population groups. Many clinicians flag low ferritin earlier than the absolute lower limit when symptoms are present — and high ferritin can sometimes reflect inflammation rather than iron overload. Always discuss results with your doctor before starting or stopping iron supplementation.
Where to get a Ferritin test
Ferritin is included in these panels:
- Iron & Energy Panel — The deepest look at iron status, blood health, and the markers behind energy and recovery. A$109
- Vitamin & Mineral Panel — The essential nutrients behind energy, immunity and bone health — checked in one test. A$249
Frequently asked questions
Should I fast for ferritin?
Yes — fast for 8 hours. Iron-fortified foods can affect the reading.
I take iron supplements — when should I test?
Most labs ask you to stop supplements 24–48 hours before testing. Check with your doctor first.
Why ferritin instead of just iron?
Iron in the blood varies with what you ate this morning. Ferritin is a more stable measure of your long-term iron stores.
Can ferritin be too high?
Yes. High ferritin can be a sign of iron overload, but it's also a non-specific inflammation marker. The interpretation requires clinical context — discuss with your doctor.
Guides
- Can You Get a Blood Test in Australia Without a GP Referral? (2026) — Yes — most common blood tests can be self-ordered in Australia. How direct-to-consumer pathology works, what's available, and when you should still see a GP first.
- How Much Does a Private Blood Test Cost in Australia? A Buyer's Guide (2026) — Private blood tests in Australia range from $35 for single biomarkers up to $500+ for comprehensive panels. What you're paying for, what drives the cost, and when private testing is worth it.