Ferritin

Ferritin (FRTN) is found in serum at low concentrations and is directly proportional to the bodys iron stores. In general, variations in total body iron stores will be reflected in the serum ferritin level. Serum ferritin levels are very helpful in the evaluation of iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic infection, thalassemia, and hemochromatosis. Serum ferritin levels however, can be nonspecifically elevated in patients with inflammation and or liver disease, regardless of iron stores. This is attributed to hepatocellular leakage of ferritin from damaged cells. Swiss-Prot Accession Number: Heavy chain P02794; Light chain P02792.

Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P02794, P02792