Blood tests & health checks
Iron level check
Ferritin, the protein your body stores iron in
FerritinFinger prickResults in about 5 minutes
Ferritin reflects your iron stores rather than the iron circulating right now, which makes it the better first test for deficiency. A low result points to iron deficiency, and a high one can indicate haemochromatosis or simply inflammation, so it is read alongside how you feel.
Who it is for
- Anyone tired, breathless or unusually pale
- People with heavy periods
- Anyone pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- Vegans and vegetarians, and anyone on a restricted diet
Also called
Anaemia, Ferritin, Iron deficiency
What happens next
Results in about 5 minutes. The pharmacist goes through what the number means with you, and tells you plainly if it is something to take to your GP