What is the normal range for ferritin levels?

Ferritin is a key protein that stores and releases iron in the body, serving as an important marker for assessing iron status. The normal range for ferritin levels can differ based on various factors, including sex and laboratory reference values, but typically falls between 20 to 500 ng/mL for adult males and females. This wide range accounts for individual variations and different lab standards.

The provided range of 20-200/500 encompasses the lower threshold of normal ferritin levels while also acknowledging that some laboratories may report different upper limits depending on their testing methods. Therefore, recognizing that ferritin levels can vary helps to ensure accurate assessments of a patient's iron stores and overall health status is crucial in clinical practice.

This answer recognizes the physiological relevance of ferritin in iron metabolism and reflects a comprehensive understanding of how ferritin levels are interpreted clinically.