Blood test type
Ferritin blood test
A ferritin blood test checks your iron stores and can help investigate tiredness, suspected iron deficiency or previous low iron.
What this test checks
Ferritin checks your iron stores
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. A ferritin blood test helps show whether your iron stores may be low, raised or need interpreting alongside symptoms and other blood results.
- Stored iron
- Ferritin reflects how much iron your body has in reserve, rather than just iron circulating on the day.
- Low ferritin
- A low result can support suspected low iron stores, especially when reviewed with symptoms.
- Raised ferritin
- A raised result does not always mean too much iron; ferritin can also rise with inflammation or liver problems.
- Tiredness context
- Ferritin can help your GP assess whether tiredness, weakness or reduced exercise tolerance may relate to iron stores.
- Inflammation context
- Because ferritin can rise during inflammation, your GP may compare it with other markers when results do not fit symptoms.
- Treatment follow-up
- Repeat ferritin testing can help monitor whether iron stores are improving after supplements or treatment.
- Next-test decisions
- The result can help your GP decide whether wider iron, vitamin or inflammation checks are needed.
Common reasons for testing
When it may be useful
- Tiredness or low energy
Low ferritin can be one possible reason for persistent tiredness, weakness, dizziness or feeling run down, especially when reviewed alongside your symptoms and other blood results.
- Heavy periods or blood loss
Ferritin is commonly checked when heavy periods, recent bleeding or previous blood loss may have reduced your iron stores.
- Hair shedding or restless legs
Low iron stores can be relevant in some cases of hair shedding or restless legs, but these symptoms have several possible causes and need clinical context.
- Monitoring iron treatment
Ferritin can help monitor whether iron stores are improving after supplements or treatment, and whether further investigation is needed if levels stay low.
How to book a ferritin blood test
Choose the option that fits what you need
Book it as a standalone test through a GP blood test appointment, or add it to Test & Treat where available.
Test & Treat: optional add-on + GP review
Ferritin can be added to Test & Treat where available. Your GP reviews the instant panel during the appointment and explains how any add-on results will follow.
- Ferritin can be added to Test & Treat where available
- Optional add-on to the instant blood test + GP review appointment
- Core instant panel reviewed by a GP in the same visit
- Add-on tests may have different turnaround times
- 15-min GP consultation to discuss available results and next steps
- Available at five London clinics with on-site labs
- Your GP can advise whether the add-on is appropriate
GP blood test appointment
When you need a specific test, or advice on whether this is the right testFor a standalone ferritin blood test, or for advice on whether this is the right test for you. Your GP discusses your case and can take your blood sample during the consultation.
- 15-min GP consultation
- Discuss whether a ferritin test is right for you
- Your GP can take your sample during the appointment if clinically appropriate
- Available at all 11 clinics
- The ferritin blood test price is not included in the consultation price
Test & Treat: optional add-on + GP review
New patient offerFerritin can be added to Test & Treat where available. Your GP reviews the instant panel during the appointment and explains how any add-on results will follow.
- Ferritin can be added to Test & Treat where available
- Optional add-on to the instant blood test + GP review appointment
- Core instant panel reviewed by a GP in the same visit
- Add-on tests may have different turnaround times
- 15-min GP consultation to discuss available results and next steps
- Available at five London clinics with on-site labs
- Your GP can advise whether the add-on is appropriate
- Offer for new patients only
Not sure which blood test route is right?
Book a ferritin blood test appointment, add it to Test & Treat where available, or compare prices for other blood tests.
Our locations
DocTap London clinics and on-site laboratories
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Old Street
Located off Old Street, a 3-minute walk from Old Street underground station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Swiss Cottage
Only a 3-minute walk from Swiss Cottage station.
Victoria
Situated on Lower Belgrave Street, a 5-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground stations.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone, wherever you are — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.
How we maintain clinical quality
Care you can trust
The clinical standards behind every DocTap blood test, across our London clinics.
- CQC rated ‘Good’.
- Independently inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- Fully GMC-registered doctors.
- UK-trained and experienced GPs only.
- Every consultation reviewed.
- Each one is checked for quality and safety, overseen by our Medical Director.
- No sales incentives.
- Our GPs are never paid commissions for tests or treatments.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to fast before a ferritin blood test?
Usually no. A ferritin blood test normally does not require fasting unless your GP has requested other tests at the same time.
- How quickly will I get my ferritin blood test results?
Ferritin can be added to Test & Treat where available, but add-on turnaround times may differ from the instant panel. For a standalone GP blood test appointment, results are usually reported after the visit and timing can vary by clinic and test route.