Ferritin: What Affects The Test


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What Affects the Test


Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

  • Having a blood transfusion in the past 4 months.
  • Being a female athlete doing sports that change the menstrual cycle.
  • Having conditions that cause inflammation in the body, such as from illness or from a surgery.
  • Having a radioactive scan in the past 3 days.
  • Taking medicines, such as birth control pills and antithyroid medicines.
  • Age. Older adults may have a higher ferritin value.
  • Eating a diet high in red meats.


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Last updated: September 12, 2008
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
Editors: Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

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