Ferritin explained

The protein the body stores iron in. It shows how much iron is held in reserve, as opposed to how much is circulating at this moment. Ferritin also rises with inflammation, so a normal result does not always rule out iron deficiency — the British Society for Haematology guideline sets out how it should be read, and when other tests are needed alongside it. It falls first: Stores empty before the blood count drops, so a low ferritin with a completely normal blood count is real, common, and the easiest point to fix it.

Fasting: Not needed. Best time: Any time of day. Tell the nurse if you take iron tablets — a recent dose can raise the reading.

Commonly: heavy or long periods; diet, particularly a vegetarian or vegan one; blood loss from the gut, which can be slow and unnoticed; inflammation or infection, which raises it and can mask deficiency; pregnancy, which increases demand considerably. A single result is not a diagnosis. Values are read against the laboratory's own reference range and alongside your history, your symptoms and the rest of the panel — which is why every package includes a doctor to go through them with you.

At Smart Care Polyclinic, 29 Doha Centre, Al Maktoum Rd, Deira, Dubai. It is included in the Smart Total Health, the Smart Total Health 360°, the Smart Extra Health, the Fatigue Panel, the Hair Loss Panel, the Well Woman Panel, or it can be ordered on its own. Walk in during opening hours or call +971 (0)4 379 3562.