Understand ferritin blood test results and their implications for iron deficiency, iron overload, and related conditions. Learn about serum ferritin, the iron storage protein, and its role in diagnosis. Find information on ferritin levels, normal ranges, and interpreting abnormal results. Explore relevant healthcare, clinical documentation, and medical coding terms associated with ferritin.
Also known as
Nutritional anemias
Covers conditions related to iron deficiency anemia.
Disorders of iron metabolism
Specifically includes iron overload and hereditary hemochromatosis.
Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
Can be used for abnormal ferritin levels not elsewhere classified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is ferritin elevated?
Yes
Due to a known condition?
No
Is ferritin decreased?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Blood protein reflecting stored iron levels. |
| Total iron in blood bound to transferrin. |
| Iron-binding blood protein. Reflects available binding capacity. |
Confusing low ferritin (iron deficiency) with anemia, leading to inaccurate ICD-10-CM coding (e.g., D50.9 vs. D64.9).
Coding ferritin without specifying the underlying cause (inflammation, chronic disease) impacting DRG assignment and reimbursement.
Unnecessary or duplicate ferritin testing leading to increased healthcare costs and potential false positives, impacting clinical decisions.
Q: What is the optimal ferritin level interpretation in the context of iron deficiency anemia diagnosis, considering both sensitivity and specificity?
A: Interpreting ferritin levels for iron deficiency anemia requires considering both sensitivity and specificity, as isolated ferritin values can be misleading. While a low ferritin (<30 ng/mL) is generally considered a strong indicator of iron deficiency, it's crucial to acknowledge that ferritin is an acute-phase reactant. Inflammation, infection, and chronic diseases can elevate ferritin, masking underlying iron deficiency. Therefore, in patients with suspected iron deficiency anemia and concurrent inflammatory conditions, a ferritin level within the 'grey zone' (30-100 ng/mL) requires further investigation. Consider evaluating other iron indices like transferrin saturation, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) alongside a complete blood count (CBC) for a comprehensive assessment. Explore how incorporating these additional markers can enhance diagnostic accuracy in complex cases. Furthermore, interpreting ferritin levels in specific patient populations (e.g., pregnant women, children) requires age- and condition-specific reference ranges. Learn more about interpreting ferritin in these special populations to avoid misdiagnosis.
Q: How does one differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease using ferritin, along with other key laboratory markers?
A: Differentiating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia of chronic disease (ACD) often relies on a combination of markers, including ferritin, but it can be challenging due to overlapping features. In IDA, ferritin is typically low (<30 ng/mL), transferrin saturation is low (<20%), and TIBC is high. Conversely, in ACD, ferritin can be normal or even elevated due to inflammation, while transferrin saturation is typically low and TIBC is normal or low. Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) can be a valuable differentiating marker, often elevated in IDA and normal or slightly elevated in ACD. However, relying on a single marker is insufficient. Consider implementing a diagnostic algorithm that incorporates these markers along with clinical context, including signs and symptoms, underlying medical conditions, and patient history, for accurate differentiation. Explore how a multi-parametric approach can enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform appropriate management strategies for IDA and ACD.
Patient presents for evaluation of [reason for visit, e.g., fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pallor, dizziness, or routine health screening]. Review of systems reveals [relevant positive and negative findings related to iron deficiency or iron overload, e.g., changes in menstrual cycle, gastrointestinal symptoms, history of blood loss, dietary habits, family history of hemochromatosis]. Physical examination reveals [relevant findings, e.g., pallor, koilonychia, tachycardia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly]. Serum ferritin level was measured to assess iron stores. The ferritin test result is [numerical value] ngmL. This result is interpreted as [low, normal, or high] and considered [consistent with, suggestive of, or not indicative of] iron deficiency anemia, iron overload, or other conditions affecting iron metabolism, such as anemia of chronic disease, inflammation, or malignancy. Differential diagnosis includes [list potential diagnoses, e.g., thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, hemochromatosis]. Further evaluation may include complete blood count (CBC) with differential, iron panel including serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation, peripheral blood smear, and potentially bone marrow biopsy if indicated. Plan of care includes [treatment plan and follow-up, e.g., iron supplementation if ferritin is low, further investigation for underlying cause of abnormal ferritin levels, referral to hematologist if indicated, patient education on dietary sources of iron and iron absorption]. Patient education provided regarding the significance of ferritin levels and their relationship to iron stores and overall health. Follow-up scheduled for [date/timeframe] to re-evaluate ferritin levels and assess response to treatment. ICD-10 code[s] [relevant code(s) based on clinical findings] assigned.