A high ferritin blood test result can be confusing because ferritin is linked to iron stores, but it does not only rise when there is too much iron in the body. Ferritin can also rise because of inflammation, infection, liver disease, alcohol intake, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, some cancers and several other medical conditions.
This means a high ferritin result does not automatically mean you have iron overload or haemochromatosis. In fact, many raised ferritin results are not caused by excess iron at all. Ferritin is what doctors call an acute phase reactant, meaning it can rise when the body is under inflammatory or physical stress.
The key follow-up test is usually transferrin saturation, often shortened to TSAT. This helps show whether the ferritin is high because the body is storing too much iron, or whether ferritin is high for another reason such as inflammation, liver irritation or metabolic disease.
This guide explains what ferritin is, what high ferritin may mean, how ferritin differs from iron overload, when haemochromatosis should be considered, what other tests are usually checked, and when to seek medical advice.
Important: This article is for general information only and should not replace medical advice. Ferritin results must be interpreted alongside your symptoms, transferrin saturation, full blood count, liver tests, kidney tests, CRP, alcohol intake, medicines, medical history and previous results. Always discuss abnormal results with your GP, specialist or the clinician who arranged the test.
What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside cells. A small amount of ferritin circulates in the blood, and this is what a ferritin blood test measures. In many situations, blood ferritin gives an estimate of how much iron is stored in the body.
When ferritin is low, it usually means iron stores are low. Low ferritin is often used to diagnose iron deficiency. High ferritin is more complicated. It can mean iron stores are high, but it can also rise because of inflammation, liver cell injury, alcohol use, infection, metabolic disease or other illness.
The British Liver Trust explains that ferritin tests are used to assess iron stores, but a high ferritin result does not always mean there is too much iron in the body. A follow-up test called transferrin saturation can give more information about iron overload. See their guide to ferritin and iron tests.
If you are looking for a broader guide to iron deficiency and anaemia, see our related article: Iron, Ferritin and Anaemia Blood Test Results Explained.
Why might ferritin be checked?
Ferritin may be checked for many reasons. It is commonly included in blood tests for tiredness, anaemia, heavy periods, inflammation, liver disease, abnormal blood counts or suspected iron overload.
Common reasons include:
- checking for iron deficiency;
- investigating tiredness, weakness or breathlessness;
- following up anaemia or abnormal full blood count results;
- monitoring heavy periods or suspected blood loss;
- checking for iron overload or haemochromatosis;
- investigating abnormal liver blood tests;
- checking inflammation or chronic disease patterns;
- monitoring kidney disease or long-term inflammatory conditions;
- following up abnormal private blood test results.
Ferritin is often interpreted alongside a full blood count, CRP, liver enzymes, kidney function and iron studies such as serum iron, transferrin, TIBC and transferrin saturation.
What is a normal ferritin level?
Ferritin reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, sex, pregnancy status and clinical context. Always use the reference range printed next to your own result.
As a broad guide, adult ferritin ranges are often roughly:
| Group | Typical ferritin range | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult women | Often around 15–150 micrograms/L | Ranges vary. Ferritin may be lower in menstruating women. |
| Adult men | Often around 30–400 micrograms/L | Ranges vary. Men often have higher average ferritin than women. |
| Postmenopausal women | May be closer to male ranges | Iron stores often rise after periods stop. |
Some laboratories use different upper limits, such as 200, 300 or 400 micrograms/L depending on sex and local methods. A ferritin of 250 may be treated differently in a young menstruating woman than in an older man. The result needs context.
What does high ferritin mean?
A high ferritin result means the ferritin level in the blood is above the expected range. It can happen because:
- the body has increased iron stores;
- the liver is inflamed or injured and releases ferritin;
- there is inflammation, infection or chronic illness;
- alcohol or metabolic disease is affecting the liver;
- the body is under physical stress;
- there is a less common blood, immune or cancer-related cause.
Lab Tests Online UK explains that ferritin may be used with iron tests, TIBC or transferrin saturation when iron excess is suspected. A high ferritin together with high iron and raised transferrin saturation can support iron overload. See Lab Tests Online UK: Ferritin Test.
The most important next question is usually: is transferrin saturation high?
Ferritin vs iron: what is the difference?
Ferritin is not the same as blood iron. Ferritin reflects stored iron, but it is also affected by inflammation and liver health. Serum iron measures iron circulating in the blood at that moment, and it can fluctuate during the day or with recent food intake.
Doctors often use a group of iron studies rather than ferritin alone:
| Test | What it helps show |
|---|---|
| Ferritin | Iron stores, but also rises with inflammation and liver disease. |
| Serum iron | Iron circulating in the blood at the time of testing. |
| Transferrin | The main protein that carries iron in the blood. |
| TIBC | Total iron-binding capacity; a measure related to available transferrin. |
| Transferrin saturation, TSAT | The percentage of transferrin carrying iron. Important for assessing iron overload. |
A high ferritin with a high TSAT has a different meaning from a high ferritin with a normal or low TSAT.
What is transferrin saturation?
Transferrin saturation, or TSAT, tells you how much of the iron-carrying protein transferrin is loaded with iron. It is one of the most useful tests when ferritin is high.
As a broad guide:
- normal or low TSAT with high ferritin often points away from classic iron overload and towards inflammation, liver disease, alcohol, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease or other causes;
- raised TSAT, often above about 45–50%, can suggest increased iron absorption or iron overload, especially if ferritin is also high;
- very high TSAT may make haemochromatosis or other iron overload conditions more likely.
The British Liver Trust explains that transferrin saturation is used with ferritin when testing for haemochromatosis and iron overload. See their page on being tested for haemochromatosis.
Common causes of high ferritin
High ferritin has a wide range of causes. Some are common and treatable. Others need more urgent or specialist assessment.
1. Inflammation or infection
Ferritin can rise when the immune system is active. This can happen during infections, inflammatory disease, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, severe illness or recent injury.
In this situation, ferritin can be high even if iron is not truly overloaded. Sometimes iron is actually less available to the body during inflammation, even though ferritin is raised. This is one reason iron results can be confusing.
Doctors may check CRP or ESR to look for inflammation. If your CRP is also raised, see CRP and Inflammation Blood Test Results Explained.
2. Liver disease or liver irritation
The liver stores ferritin and iron. If liver cells are irritated or damaged, ferritin can rise. This is why high ferritin is often interpreted alongside liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALP and GGT.
Possible liver-related causes include:
- fatty liver disease;
- alcohol-related liver injury;
- viral hepatitis;
- medicine-related liver injury;
- autoimmune liver disease;
- haemochromatosis or other iron overload disorders;
- more advanced liver scarring in some cases.
If your liver enzymes are abnormal, see ALT, AST, ALP and GGT Liver Results Explained and Liver Function Test Results Explained.
3. Alcohol intake
Alcohol can raise ferritin, particularly if it is affecting the liver. Ferritin may improve when alcohol intake is reduced or stopped, but this depends on the cause and whether liver disease is present.
If you drink heavily or may be alcohol-dependent, do not suddenly stop without medical advice, because withdrawal can be dangerous for some people. Speak to a GP or alcohol support service.
4. Metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease
High ferritin is commonly seen in people with metabolic risk factors, including:
- higher body weight or central weight gain;
- type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance;
- high triglycerides;
- high blood pressure;
- fatty liver disease.
This pattern is sometimes called metabolic hyperferritinaemia. Ferritin may be raised even when transferrin saturation is normal. The focus is usually on assessing liver health, diabetes risk, cardiovascular risk and whether true iron overload is present.
Related guides include HbA1c and Blood Sugar Results Explained, Cholesterol Blood Test Results Explained and Losing Weight: Causes of Weight Gain, Treatments and When to Get Help.
5. Chronic kidney disease
Ferritin can be raised in chronic kidney disease because of inflammation, altered iron handling and treatment factors. In kidney disease, ferritin interpretation can be different, especially if anaemia is present or iron treatment is being considered.
If kidney function is also abnormal, see eGFR and Creatinine Results Explained.
6. Iron supplements or repeated iron treatment
Ferritin can rise after iron tablets, intravenous iron, repeated blood transfusions or other iron treatment. This may be appropriate if treatment was needed, but very high levels or ongoing supplementation without monitoring can cause problems.
Do not continue iron supplements long term without a clear reason and monitoring. Taking iron when you do not need it can be harmful, especially if you have a tendency to iron overload.
7. Haemochromatosis
Haemochromatosis is a condition where too much iron builds up in the body. The most common inherited form is genetic haemochromatosis, often linked to variants in the HFE gene. It can cause iron to accumulate in organs such as the liver, pancreas, heart, joints and endocrine glands.
The NHS explains that haemochromatosis is caused by a faulty gene that affects how the body absorbs iron from food. If untreated, iron can build up gradually and damage organs. See NHS: Haemochromatosis.
Haemochromatosis is more likely when ferritin is high and transferrin saturation is raised. Genetic testing may be considered if the pattern fits.
8. Cancer and serious illness
Ferritin can rise in some cancers and serious inflammatory illnesses. This does not mean most people with high ferritin have cancer. Many raised results are due to common causes such as liver disease, alcohol, metabolic syndrome or inflammation.
However, persistent unexplained high ferritin should be reviewed, especially if there are symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent fevers, swollen lymph nodes, blood in stool, ongoing abdominal pain or abnormal blood counts.
High ferritin and haemochromatosis
Haemochromatosis is one of the best-known causes of high ferritin, but it is not the most common explanation for every raised ferritin result. The important clue is usually the combination of:
- raised ferritin;
- raised transferrin saturation;
- family history of haemochromatosis or iron overload;
- compatible symptoms or abnormal liver tests;
- genetic test results, if performed.
Symptoms of haemochromatosis can be vague and may include:
- tiredness or weakness;
- joint pain, especially in the hands;
- abdominal pain;
- loss of libido or erectile problems;
- irregular periods or early menopause in some people;
- bronze or grey skin pigmentation in later disease;
- diabetes;
- abnormal liver tests;
- liver enlargement or scarring in advanced cases.
The British Liver Trust has a detailed patient guide to haemochromatosis.
Does high ferritin always mean too much iron?
No. This is the most important point. High ferritin does not always mean iron overload.
Ferritin can be high because it is responding to inflammation, infection, liver injury, alcohol, metabolic disease, kidney disease or other illness. In these cases, transferrin saturation may be normal or low.
A simple way to think about it:
| Pattern | Possible meaning |
|---|---|
| High ferritin + high TSAT | Iron overload becomes more likely. Haemochromatosis may need assessment. |
| High ferritin + normal TSAT | Often inflammation, liver disease, alcohol, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease or other non-iron-overload causes. |
| High ferritin + low TSAT | Can occur with inflammation or chronic disease. Iron may be trapped in storage and less available for red blood cell production. |
| Low ferritin | Usually suggests low iron stores or iron deficiency. |
How high is too high?
The meaning of a high ferritin result depends on the level, sex, age, symptoms and other results. A mildly raised ferritin is common. A very high ferritin needs more careful assessment.
| Ferritin level | Broad interpretation |
|---|---|
| Slightly above range | Common. May be due to inflammation, alcohol, fatty liver, metabolic factors or recent illness. |
| Moderately raised | Needs review with TSAT, liver tests, CRP, full blood count and medical history. |
| Above 1000 micrograms/L | Usually needs more urgent or specialist assessment, especially if persistent or linked with abnormal liver tests or high TSAT. |
| Very high, several thousand | Can occur with severe inflammation, liver injury, infection, iron overload or rare inflammatory conditions. Needs prompt clinical review. |
Some haemochromatosis guidance advises specialist liver assessment when ferritin is above 1000 micrograms/L because of the higher risk of liver scarring in iron overload. Haemochromatosis UK notes that people with ferritin over 1000 micrograms/L should be referred for liver assessment in the genetic haemochromatosis pathway. See their genetic haemochromatosis care pathway.
Symptoms that may occur with high ferritin
High ferritin itself may not cause symptoms. Many people only find out through routine or private blood tests. Symptoms, when present, usually come from the underlying cause.
Possible associated symptoms include:
- tiredness or low energy;
- joint pain;
- abdominal pain;
- right upper abdominal discomfort;
- loss of appetite;
- unexplained weight loss;
- fevers or night sweats;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes;
- dark urine or pale stools;
- recurrent infections or inflammatory symptoms;
- reduced libido or sexual symptoms;
- symptoms of diabetes, such as thirst and passing urine often.
If tiredness is the main symptom, high ferritin is only one possible clue. See also Fatigue: Why Am I Always Tired?.
High ferritin with normal iron or normal TSAT
This is a common pattern. If ferritin is high but transferrin saturation is normal, iron overload is less likely, although not always impossible. Doctors may look for other explanations first.
Common possibilities include:
- fatty liver disease;
- alcohol-related liver irritation;
- recent infection;
- chronic inflammation;
- metabolic syndrome;
- kidney disease;
- recent illness, surgery or injury;
- some cancers or inflammatory conditions, especially if symptoms are present.
Follow-up often includes repeat ferritin, CRP, liver tests, full blood count, HbA1c, cholesterol and review of alcohol, weight, medicines and symptoms.
High ferritin with high transferrin saturation
This pattern is more suggestive of iron overload. It does not prove haemochromatosis by itself, but it makes iron overload more likely and usually needs further assessment.
Possible causes include:
- genetic haemochromatosis;
- repeated blood transfusions;
- excess iron treatment;
- some liver diseases;
- rare iron-loading anaemias;
- some inherited iron metabolism conditions.
Your clinician may repeat fasting iron studies, check liver tests, ask about family history, and consider HFE genetic testing if haemochromatosis is suspected.
High ferritin with abnormal liver tests
High ferritin plus abnormal liver enzymes is a common combination. It can happen with fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver injury, viral hepatitis, haemochromatosis, medicine-related liver injury and other liver conditions.
Useful follow-up tests may include:
- ALT, AST, ALP and GGT;
- bilirubin and albumin;
- full blood count and platelets;
- CRP;
- hepatitis B and C testing;
- transferrin saturation;
- autoimmune liver tests in selected cases;
- abdominal ultrasound or FibroScan where appropriate.
Low platelets with abnormal liver tests can sometimes suggest more advanced liver disease or an enlarged spleen. For more detail, see Platelet Count Results Explained.
High ferritin with anaemia
High ferritin with anaemia can be confusing because people often expect anaemia to mean low iron. But ferritin can be high in inflammation even when the body cannot use iron properly. This is sometimes called anaemia of chronic disease or anaemia of inflammation.
Possible patterns include:
- high ferritin + low TSAT — may suggest inflammation-related iron restriction;
- high ferritin + high TSAT — may suggest iron overload or another iron-handling problem;
- high ferritin + abnormal kidney function — kidney disease may contribute to anaemia;
- high ferritin + abnormal blood count — may need broader investigation.
Other helpful tests may include haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, B12, folate, reticulocytes, CRP, kidney function and sometimes a blood film.
Can high ferritin be caused by stress?
Everyday emotional stress alone is not usually the main explanation for a significantly high ferritin result. However, physical stress on the body can raise ferritin, especially if there is infection, inflammation, injury, surgery, severe illness or liver irritation.
If ferritin is high, it is better to look for measurable causes such as inflammation, liver results, alcohol intake, metabolic health, kidney function and transferrin saturation rather than assuming stress is the cause.
Can diet cause high ferritin?
Diet alone rarely causes a major ferritin rise in people without an iron-loading tendency. However, diet and supplements can matter.
Ferritin may be affected by:
- iron supplements taken without medical need;
- multiple iron-containing multivitamins;
- high alcohol intake;
- metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease linked with diet and weight;
- genetic haemochromatosis, where the body absorbs too much iron from food.
If iron overload is suspected, do not start a strict diet or try to treat yourself. Speak to a clinician. The main treatment for haemochromatosis is usually venesection, not diet alone.
Should you stop iron supplements if ferritin is high?
If your ferritin is high and you are taking iron supplements, you should speak to a clinician. In many cases, iron supplements may need to be stopped unless there is a clear reason to continue.
However, do not stop prescribed treatment without advice if you have a complex condition, kidney disease, pregnancy-related anaemia, inflammatory bowel disease or have been told to take iron for a specific reason. The safest approach is to review ferritin together with haemoglobin, transferrin saturation and the reason iron was started.
What tests are usually done after high ferritin?
The next step depends on how high ferritin is and what else is going on. Common follow-up tests include:
- repeat ferritin, to confirm whether it is persistent;
- transferrin saturation, to assess possible iron overload;
- serum iron, transferrin or TIBC;
- full blood count, including haemoglobin, white cells and platelets;
- CRP or ESR, to look for inflammation;
- liver blood tests, including ALT, AST, ALP and GGT;
- kidney function tests, including creatinine and eGFR;
- HbA1c and cholesterol, if metabolic syndrome or fatty liver is possible;
- hepatitis tests, if liver disease risk is present;
- HFE genetic testing, if haemochromatosis is suspected;
- abdominal ultrasound or FibroScan, if liver disease or iron overload needs assessment.
If your result came from a private blood test, make sure there is a clear follow-up plan. See What to Do After Abnormal Private Blood Test Results.
When should high ferritin be repeated?
Ferritin is often repeated if the rise is mild or moderate and you feel well, especially if there may have been a temporary cause such as infection, inflammation, alcohol intake, recent illness or injury.
Your clinician may repeat ferritin together with transferrin saturation and other tests. Repeating ferritin alone may not be enough because the pattern of iron studies matters.
A repeat test can help show whether ferritin is:
- returning to normal after a temporary trigger;
- persistently raised but stable;
- rising over time;
- associated with abnormal TSAT, liver tests, kidney tests or inflammation markers.
When is high ferritin urgent?
High ferritin by itself is not usually an emergency. But urgent medical advice is needed if high ferritin appears with concerning symptoms or very abnormal accompanying tests.
Seek urgent medical help if you have high ferritin with:
- yellow skin or yellow eyes;
- confusion, severe drowsiness or collapse;
- vomiting blood or passing black tarry stools;
- severe abdominal pain;
- fever, chills and feeling very unwell;
- severe shortness of breath or chest pain;
- very abnormal liver tests or clotting results;
- rapidly worsening kidney function;
- a ferritin level reported as critically high by the laboratory or clinician.
Arrange a prompt GP or clinician review if ferritin is persistently raised, above 1000 micrograms/L, rising over time, associated with high transferrin saturation, or linked with unexplained weight loss, night sweats, ongoing fevers, abnormal liver tests or abnormal blood counts.
How is iron overload treated?
If true iron overload or genetic haemochromatosis is diagnosed, treatment depends on the cause and severity. The most common treatment for genetic haemochromatosis is venesection, also called phlebotomy. This means removing blood at regular intervals to reduce iron stores.
Treatment may involve:
- regular venesection to lower ferritin;
- maintenance venesection once iron levels are controlled;
- monitoring ferritin and transferrin saturation;
- checking liver health, sometimes with FibroScan or imaging;
- family testing if genetic haemochromatosis is confirmed;
- avoiding unnecessary iron supplements;
- individual advice on alcohol and vitamin C supplements.
Do not arrange blood donation as treatment without medical advice. People with suspected iron overload need proper diagnosis, monitoring and assessment for organ effects.
Can high ferritin be lowered?
Ferritin may fall when the underlying cause is treated. The right approach depends on why ferritin is high.
| Cause | What may lower ferritin |
|---|---|
| Inflammation or infection | Treating or resolving the inflammatory cause. |
| Alcohol-related liver irritation | Reducing alcohol safely and assessing liver health. |
| Fatty liver or metabolic syndrome | Weight management, diabetes control, triglyceride reduction and liver risk assessment. |
| Iron overload | Venesection or specialist treatment, depending on cause. |
| Iron supplements | Stopping unnecessary iron after medical review. |
| Kidney disease or chronic illness | Managing the underlying condition and interpreting ferritin in context. |
There is no single “high ferritin diet” that fixes all causes. The priority is to understand the pattern first.
How to read your high ferritin result sensibly
When you receive a high ferritin result, avoid jumping straight to iron overload or cancer. Work through the result step by step.
- How high is ferritin? Slightly raised is different from above 1000.
- Is transferrin saturation high? This is key for iron overload assessment.
- Are liver tests abnormal? ALT, AST, ALP and GGT can give important clues.
- Is CRP raised? Inflammation can raise ferritin.
- Is the full blood count normal? Anaemia, abnormal white cells or platelets change the picture.
- Is kidney function abnormal? CKD can affect ferritin interpretation.
- Do you drink alcohol? Alcohol can raise ferritin and liver enzymes.
- Are there metabolic risk factors? Diabetes, high triglycerides, fatty liver and weight gain matter.
- Are you taking iron? Supplements may need review.
- Is there a family history? Haemochromatosis can run in families.
A high ferritin result is a clue. The pattern of other tests and your clinical context determine what it means.
FAQ: High ferritin blood test results
What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. A ferritin blood test can help estimate iron stores, but ferritin can also rise because of inflammation, infection, liver disease, alcohol, metabolic syndrome and other illness.
What does high ferritin mean?
High ferritin means the ferritin level is above the expected range. It may be due to iron overload, but more commonly it can be linked with inflammation, liver disease, alcohol intake, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, kidney disease or recent illness.
Does high ferritin mean haemochromatosis?
Not always. Haemochromatosis is more likely when ferritin is high and transferrin saturation is also raised. High ferritin with normal transferrin saturation often has another cause, such as inflammation, liver disease, alcohol or metabolic factors.
What is transferrin saturation?
Transferrin saturation, or TSAT, shows how much of the iron-carrying protein transferrin is loaded with iron. It is an important follow-up test when ferritin is high because it helps assess whether iron overload is likely.
Can inflammation raise ferritin?
Yes. Ferritin is an acute phase reactant, which means it can rise during inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease, severe illness or injury.
Can fatty liver cause high ferritin?
Yes. Fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome are common causes of raised ferritin, often with normal or only mildly raised transferrin saturation.
Can alcohol raise ferritin?
Yes. Alcohol can raise ferritin, especially if it affects the liver. GGT and other liver enzymes may also be abnormal.
Can kidney disease raise ferritin?
Yes. Chronic kidney disease can affect ferritin interpretation because inflammation and altered iron handling are common. Ferritin may be interpreted differently in people with kidney disease, especially if anaemia is present.
Can high ferritin mean cancer?
Sometimes ferritin can be raised in cancer or serious inflammatory illness, but most high ferritin results are due to more common causes. Persistent unexplained high ferritin with weight loss, night sweats, fevers, abnormal blood counts or other concerning symptoms should be reviewed by a clinician.
What ferritin level is dangerous?
There is no single dangerous number for everyone, but ferritin above 1000 micrograms/L usually needs prompt medical review and often specialist assessment, especially if persistent or associated with high transferrin saturation or abnormal liver tests.
Can high ferritin cause tiredness?
High ferritin itself may not cause tiredness, but the underlying cause can. Haemochromatosis, inflammation, liver disease, kidney disease, infection, diabetes and other conditions can all cause fatigue.
Should I stop eating red meat if ferritin is high?
Do not rely on diet changes alone. The first step is to find out why ferritin is high and whether transferrin saturation is raised. If haemochromatosis is diagnosed, your clinician can give personalised dietary and treatment advice.
Should I stop iron tablets if ferritin is high?
Speak to a clinician. Iron supplements are often stopped if ferritin is high and there is no clear reason to continue, but this depends on your haemoglobin, transferrin saturation, pregnancy status, kidney disease, inflammatory disease and why iron was prescribed.
Can high ferritin go back to normal?
Yes, depending on the cause. Ferritin may fall when infection, inflammation, alcohol-related liver irritation, fatty liver risk factors or unnecessary iron supplementation are addressed. In iron overload, venesection may be needed.
What tests should be done after high ferritin?
Common follow-up tests include transferrin saturation, serum iron, TIBC or transferrin, full blood count, CRP, liver tests, kidney function, HbA1c, cholesterol, hepatitis tests and sometimes HFE genetic testing or liver imaging.
Is high ferritin the same as high iron?
No. Ferritin reflects iron storage but also rises with inflammation and liver disease. Serum iron and transferrin saturation give different information about circulating iron and possible iron overload.
Can ferritin be high but iron be low?
Yes. In inflammation or chronic disease, ferritin can be high while iron availability is low. This is why ferritin must be interpreted with transferrin saturation, full blood count, CRP and the clinical picture.
Can haemochromatosis run in families?
Yes. Genetic haemochromatosis can run in families. If it is diagnosed, close relatives may be advised to have iron studies or genetic testing depending on clinical guidance.
How is haemochromatosis treated?
The main treatment is usually venesection, where blood is removed regularly to reduce iron stores. Treatment should be supervised with regular monitoring of ferritin, transferrin saturation and organ health.
What should I do if my private blood test shows high ferritin?
Contact the provider or a qualified clinician for interpretation. Ask whether transferrin saturation, full blood count, CRP, liver tests and kidney function have been checked. Seek prompt advice if ferritin is very high, rising, or linked with symptoms.
