Eisen-Ferritin Selbsttest: when to see a doctor?

An iron-ferritin self-test measures stored iron (ferritin) in blood, typically via dried blood spot or finger prick. While convenient, these home tests are less reliable than venous blood draws in a lab (e.g., due to hemolysis, storage, or diurnal variation). You should see a doctor if the test repeatedly shows abnormal values: ferritin below 30 µg/l (iron deficiency) or above 200 µg/l in women / 300 µg/l in men (iron overload, inflammation). Also seek medical advice if you have symptoms like fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, hair loss, or joint pain. Important: Ferritin is an acute-phase reactant – it can be elevated during infections or chronic inflammation even when iron stores are normal. A self-test cannot replace a clinical diagnosis. Interpretation must consider the full clinical picture. Evidence: Ferritin measurement is clinically established, but home tests have lower accuracy. Sources: None from the provided context.