Ferritin is a protein that stores and regulates iron in the body. A ferritin blood test can measure ferritin levels and help diagnose iron deficiency or overload, inflammation, liver disease, and other conditions. Understand your values of Ferritin (ng/ml) What is Ferritin and Its Measurement Units? Ferritin is a blood cell protein that contains iron. It's important to understand that while ferritin itself does not circulate iron, it is a key marker used by healthcare professionals to assess your iron stores. The amount of ferritin in the blood reflects the total amount of iron stored in the body. Usually, ferritin levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Measuring ferritin is common ... Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron . This test can be used to find out how much iron the body stores. If a ferritin test shows that the blood ferritin level is low, it means the body's iron stores are low. This is a condition called iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can cause anemia. A ferritin test measures the amount of a blood protein that stores iron in your body. Learn why you might need a ferritin test, how to prepare for it, and what the results mean for your health.