Ferritin Level Test Singapore

Check Your Body’s Ferritin Levels – Identify Iron Deficiency Early

Ferritin is a key marker of your body’s iron storage. Low ferritin levels are often the first sign of iron deficiency, even before anemia develops. A simple blood test can give you vital insights into your health — especially if you're feeling persistently tired or run down.

What Is a Ferritin Level Blood Test?

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. The ferritin blood test measures how much iron is stored — not just circulating in your blood — making it one of the most accurate ways to detect iron deficiency. 

This test is especially helpful in identifying: 

  • Early-stage iron deficiency 
  • Iron deficiency without anaemia 
  • Chronic low energy or fatigue related to iron storage issues 
  • Iron overload (less common, but important to rule out) 

Why Is Ferritin Testing Important?

Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and brain function. Low ferritin can impact your quality of life long before full-blown anemia develops. You may benefit from ferritin testing if you: 

  • Feel tired, weak, or dizzy often 
  • Have heavy or prolonged periods 
  • Are pregnant or trying to conceive 
  • Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet 
  • Are recovering from surgery or illness 
  • Are an endurance athlete 
  • Have digestive conditions (e.g., celiac, Crohn’s) affecting absorption 

Symptoms of Low Ferritin Levels

Common signs to watch for include: 

  • Chronic fatigue 
  • Pale skin 
  • Hair thinning or brittle nails 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Brain fog or trouble focusing 
  • Dizziness or fainting spells 
  • Cold extremities 
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations 

What Causes Low Ferritin Levels?

1. Blood Loss

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g. ulcers, polyps, hemorrhoids, colon cancer)
  • Frequent blood donation or recent surgery


2. Inadequate Iron Intake

  • Diet low in iron-rich foods (e.g. red meat, leafy greens, legumes)
  • Vegetarian or vegan diets without proper supplementation
  • Poor infant or elderly nutrition


3. Poor Iron Absorption

  • Gastrointestinal conditions like:
    • Celiac disease
    • Crohn’s disease
    • Helicobacter pylori infection
  • After bariatric surgery or intestinal surgery
  • Chronic diarrhea


4. Increased Iron Needs

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Rapid growth in children or adolescents
  • Intense physical activity (e.g. endurance athletes)


5. Chronic Illness or Inflammation

  • Chronic infections
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
  • Chronic kidney disease

Who Should Get a Ferritin Test?

Ferritin testing is especially recommended for: 

  • Women with heavy menstrual cycles 
  • Pregnant women (to monitor iron needs) 
  • People with unexplained fatigue 
  • Vegetarians, vegans, or people with restrictive diets 
  • Patients with gastrointestinal conditions affecting nutrient absorption 
  • Individuals with suspected anaemia (chronic weakness, postural giddiness/near fainting symptoms) 

Why Ferritin Is Especially Important

Low ferritin levels can indicate iron deficiency even before anaemia develops. It’s especially helpful in detecting early-stage deficiency, even if your haemoglobin appears normal. That’s why ferritin testing is often included in health screening panels for women, children, and the elderly. 

Ferritin Levels Tests

Test
Price

Ferritin

$50

Iron Deficiency Profile

$65

Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Panel (Vitamin D, B12, Folate, Iron, Magnesium)

$150

Full Blood Count (FBC) and Peripheral Blood Film (PBF)

$25

*Turnaround time 3-7 working days

Whatsapp Us Make an Appointment

*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2023. Prices may be subject to change. 

*Price does not include consultation fee and GST.

Take control before symptoms take over.  

Detect iron deficiency early — it’s easier to treat, and recovery starts sooner.

Finding Us

FAQ

Accessibility & Support

What is Regis Medical GP clinic’s locations and opening hours?

Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983

Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650

Click here to view our opening hours

Appointment

Can I just walk in for a ferritin test? 
Yes, you can. However, to avoid long waiting time, we strongly advise you to book your appointments in advance.
How do I book an appointment?   

To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298

To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728

What are Regis Medical’s cancellation and refund policy?  

You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.

This policy is subject to change.

Can I reschedule my appointment?  

Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).

What happens if I miss my appointment?  
No refund will be issued for missed appointments.

Finance

What are the modes of payment accepted at Regis Medical?    
We accept Visa/Mastercard/Amex, PayNow, JCB, UnionPay and ApplePay.
Are these tests covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance plan and whether testing is deemed medically necessary. We can provide detailed invoices for claims.

General

What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. It’s found in your liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and a small amount circulates in your blood. Measuring ferritin levels gives a good estimate of your body’s iron reserves.
What is a ferritin test used for?
A ferritin test may be used to:
  • Detect iron deficiency or iron overload
  • Investigate symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or hair loss
  • Monitor chronic conditions that affect iron levels (e.g. inflammation, liver disease)
  • Support diagnosis of anaemia or haemochromatosis
What’s the difference between ferritin and iron levels?
  • Serum iron measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood at a given time
  • Ferritin reflects your long-term iron stores
Low serum iron doesn’t always mean low iron stores — ferritin is usually a more reliable indicator of early deficiency.
Who should get a ferritin test?
You may benefit from a ferritin test if you:
  • Feel tired, weak, or dizzy
  • Have hair loss, pale skin, or shortness of breath
  • Have heavy periods or are pregnant
  • Follow a vegetarian or low-iron diet
  • Have chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, or cancer
  • Are being monitored for anaemia or iron overload
Can I take this test even if I feel well?
Yes. Ferritin is often included in routine blood workups or health screenings — especially for women, vegetarians, athletes, or people with a family history of iron-related conditions.
How is ferritin tested?
It’s a simple blood test taken from a vein in your arm. Results are usually available within 3-5 working days.
Do I need to fast before a ferritin test?
Fasting is not usually required, but our doctor may advise fasting if the ferritin test is part of a broader panel (e.g. diabetes or metabolic screen).
Can ferritin levels change over time?
Yes. Ferritin levels can change based on:
  • Your iron intake or supplementation
  • Menstrual blood loss
  • Inflammation or infection
That’s why it’s important to interpret ferritin results alongside your symptoms and other blood markers.
What do low ferritin levels mean?
Low ferritin usually means depleted iron stores, which could lead to or indicate:
  • Iron deficiency anaemia
  • Poor dietary intake
  • Blood loss (e.g. menstruation, ulcers, GI issues)
  • Malabsorption conditions (e.g. celiac disease)
What do high ferritin levels mean?
High ferritin can indicate:
  • Iron overload (e.g. haemochromatosis)
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Liver disease
  • Certain cancers or infections
If your ferritin is high, additional tests may be done to determine the cause.
Can I have normal ferritin but still be iron deficient?
Reference ranges can vary slightly, but typically: Yes, especially if your ferritin is “low-normal” and you have symptoms. Inflammation can also falsely elevate ferritin, masking underlying deficiency. Your doctor may order additional iron studies for a clearer picture.
What happens if my ferritin is low?
Our doctor may recommend:
  • Iron-rich foods (e.g. red meat, legumes, leafy greens)
  • Iron supplements
  • Testing for underlying causes (e.g. menstrual loss, gut bleeding)
Follow-up tests may be scheduled to track improvement.
Can I take supplements before the test?
Try to avoid iron supplements for 24–48 hours before your blood test unless advised otherwise, as they can temporarily affect serum iron levels.