Feeling persistently tired, losing more hair than usual, or wanting to check your iron stores?
Measures ferritin, the body's iron storage protein and the most sensitive marker for iron depletion. Used to investigate fatigue, hair thinning, and suspected iron deficiency or overload. Fasting for 8 to 12 hours is recommended.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.
1
Order a test
Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect the sample
Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.
3
Receive your results
View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!
Overview
Ferritin is the protein your body uses to store iron inside cells. It is the most sensitive marker for detecting iron depletion, dropping below normal before haemoglobin or other red blood cell markers start to change.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in Australia, particularly among women with heavy menstrual periods, people following plant-based diets, endurance athletes, and anyone with increased iron demands.
Ferritin can also be elevated. Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant, which means it rises during inflammation, infection, liver disease, and some cancers.
Symptoms
Suited to people with unexplained fatigue, hair thinning, restless legs, breathlessness, or anyone wanting to confirm their iron stores are adequate. Also relevant for monitoring iron supplementation.
Questions
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron inside cells. Blood ferritin reflects total body iron stores.
Fasting for 8 to 12 hours is recommended for the most consistent results.
Typically 20 to 300 ug/L for males and 10 to 200 ug/L for females. Some practitioners consider levels below 50 ug/L suboptimal in symptomatic individuals.
Yes. Ferritin can be low before haemoglobin drops enough to constitute anaemia.
Ferritin is an acute phase reactant that rises during inflammation, infection, and liver disease.
Ferritin alone is a good starting point. Full iron studies are more appropriate when investigating overload or complex anaemia.
Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Biomarker Tested
No biomarkers found
How to prepare
Fasting for 8 to 12 hours is recommended. Drink water as normal. Do not take iron supplements on the morning of your test. If you are currently unwell, let your practitioner know.
After the test
Share your result with your GP. If ferritin is low, your practitioner will investigate the cause. If elevated, a full iron studies panel may be requested.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Results are reported in micrograms per litre (ug/L). The reference range is typically 20 to 300 ug/L for males and 10 to 200 ug/L for females. Low ferritin confirms depleted iron stores. High ferritin may indicate iron overload but also rises with inflammation.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
4.9
Average Rating
5,500+Customers Tested
250,000+Individual Biomarkers
A
Adam O.
ACT
Simple health checks in my control
I didn't know that private blood tests were an option. Tried this platform as the packages suited what I wanted for a good price. Easy to follow instructions, and super quick results. Platform provides more information than my gp's ever have on the tests and what the results meant. Would like more clinics to be able to test at (specifically Capital Pathology) but there is a decent network. Will continue to use.
The Performance Check
W
Wayne S.
NSW
Bloody Good
This is a great service, very helpful support, cheaper than going to the doctor for a blood test
Vitamin D (25-OH)
C
Christopher N.
NSW
Quick access to blood tests
BLOODY GOOD is a very efficient route to access blood testing for a visitor outside the Australian health system. It is quick with the necessary referral and documentation, and quick with results. Thank you
Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test
R
Rebecca Y
NSW
Great Service!
Fantastic service to deal with, I love the extra explanations for all the tests.
Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)
O
Olga B.
New South Wales
Convenient
Getting a referral was easy. Laverty pathology accepted it. Bloody Good offers an affordable and convenient way to check essential blood markers.
hs-CRP Blood Test
M
Marita S.
Queensland
Bloody good test
Very comprehensive tests that have given me a good picture of my overall health.
The Bloody Good Test
L
Lukas C.
NSW
Quick, easy, hassle free
Excellent service, quick, easy, hassle free, can recommend.
Testosterone Free/Total + SHBG
A
ABDUL S.
QLD
Amazingly quick and efficient
Very easy to use. Love that it stores your blood tests.
The Performance Test
A
Andre D.
QLD
5 Stars
Efficient and easy to use
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
W
Wayne
NSW
5 Stars
Extremely helpful company
Calcium Blood Test
"I'm a little biased as I work here! However, I love that The Bloody Good Test tracks my health over time. After turning 40, I wanted to make sure I wasn't going to drop dead from something basic I should have known about earlier. Measuring all my core biomarkers each year gives me peace of mind my health is on the right track"
Cameron SmithHead of Ecommerce, Brisbane
Frequently bought together
Frequently Asked Questions
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
