Ferritin as a diagnostic point-of-care marker in iron deficiency anemia: a narrative review and clinical implications

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidities, warranting early identification and aggressive management. Point-of-care (POC) devices that measure serum ferritin may offer a faster and more accessible alternative to traditional hemoglobin or laboratory testing for evaluating iron status. However, there is little information available on the use of ferritin POC devices to diagnose IDA, particularly in pregnancy. In this review, we outline the role of ferritin in IDA and provide a comprehensive analysis of contemporary ferritin measurement methods, including POC testing, to enhance the early identification and management of IDA.

A review of peer-reviewed literature published in English from database inception to June 2026 and retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using keywords such as ferritin; iron deficiency anemia (IDA); screening; diagnosis; management; point-of-care (POC); and iron status.

Ferritin is a significant diagnostic marker for IDA. Utilizing ferritin levels for IDA diagnosis has several benefits and limitations, particularly in groups experiencing simultaneous inflammatory conditions. Advancements in POC ferritin testing devices offer potential to enhance the screening and management of IDA, especially in resource-limited environments.

POC ferritin testing presents a valuable opportunity to improve the efficiency and accessibility of IDA diagnostics, paving the way for improved anemia management and patient outcomes.