Iron and ferritin tests: 2026 cost, package, NFZ, preparation

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

A private ferritin test in Poland most commonly costs PLN 58 (typically PLN 51 ‑ 67, with price lists ranging from PLN 41 to PLN 75.05). An iron blood test alone is much cheaper, at around PLN 23. Both tests are most commonly performed together with a full blood count (PLN 25), and are free under NFZ with a doctor's referral.

Ferritin and iron are two different tests that are often confused, and their prices differ severalfold. An iron blood test is inexpensive, but iron levels change quickly. A ferritin test costs more because it indicates the body’s iron stores. Below, we compare laboratory price-list prices for a full set of iron status tests and explain what is usually included in a package.

How much do iron and ferritin tests cost?

A private ferritin test most commonly costs PLN 58, according to 3 laboratory price lists collected by indekscen.pl, and half of the listed prices fall within the PLN 51 ‑ 67 range. An iron blood test alone costs around PLN 23, although we have fewer sources for this test, so this figure should be treated as a guide. Details and quotations from price lists are available on the ferritin test page.

The price difference results from the method used: ferritin is measured with an immunochemical assay, while iron is measured with a simpler biochemical test. This is why a ferritin test costs noticeably more than an iron test at every laboratory.

Ferritin test: what is it?

A ferritin test measures the concentration in venous blood of the protein in which the body stores iron, primarily in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. The ferritin level in the blood reflects the amount held in these stores, so doctors regard it as the best single indicator of iron deficiency. Blood is collected at a blood collection point in the same way as for a full blood count, and several tests can be performed from one tube. Blood collection is not usually charged separately when you purchase a laboratory test, but it is worth checking the collection point’s price list.

An iron blood test shows how much iron is circulating at a given time, while ferritin indicates how much is in storage. In a deficiency, the stores are depleted first, so low ferritin may precede changes in the full blood count.

How much does an iron deficiency test package cost?

An iron deficiency package usually consists of a full blood count, iron and ferritin tests, and sometimes also TIBC or transferrin. We do not provide a single total because laboratories structure their packages differently and often offer a discount for a set of tests. The individual test prices are as follows:

Test	What it shows	Typical price
Full blood count	haemoglobin, blood cell count and blood cell size	PLN 23 ‑ 29
Iron blood test	the amount of iron circulating in the serum	around PLN 23
Ferritin	the body’s iron stores	PLN 51 ‑ 67
TIBC	the blood’s capacity to bind iron	PLN 13 ‑ 17

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

The table contains two ferritin entries: iron and ferritin tests covers price lists from large laboratory chains that provide a price range for all their collection points. Both medians are similar, confirming that a typical ferritin test costs tens of PLN, rather than just over PLN 10 as an iron test may do.

The most expensive part of the package is usually the ferritin test. TIBC may be the least expensive, costing PLN 13 ‑ 17 according to public hospital price lists, although some price lists charge separately for blood collection.

Which is better to test: iron or ferritin?

Ferritin is a better indicator of the body’s iron stores, while the iron level in the blood changes throughout the day and depends on the most recent meal. For this reason, when doctors suspect a deficiency, they usually order both tests together, as well as a full blood count. Leave the choice of tests to your doctor, as it depends on your symptoms and medical history. If you are paying yourself and your budget is limited, ask your doctor which test is more important in your situation.

Ferritin also rises during inflammation, so a doctor may sometimes order a CRP test alongside it. We compare CRP and full blood count prices in the article full blood count with differential: price.

Is a ferritin test covered by NFZ?

A ferritin test is free under NFZ if a doctor orders it and issues a referral. A family doctor will usually order a ferritin test when full blood count results or symptoms indicate an iron deficiency. Without a referral, the test is performed privately and usually costs PLN 51 ‑ 67.

The wait for an appointment can be longer than for the test itself, so some people have the test done privately and visit their doctor with the result. This is reasonable if you are planning an appointment anyway, as the doctor can assess the result immediately.

Do you need to fast before a ferritin test?

Laboratories recommend having a ferritin test in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably 8 to 12 hours after your last meal. Ferritin itself is less affected by food than iron, but the two are usually tested together, and a meal may cause the iron result to be elevated. How to prepare:

1. Have your last meal in the evening, and drink only water in the morning.
2. Stop taking iron supplements several days before the test, but only after consulting your doctor.
3. Avoid strenuous exercise on the day before the blood draw.
4. Tell staff at the collection point about any medicines you are taking.

Can you have a ferritin test during your period?

You can have a ferritin test during your period, but iron and full blood count results may be lower at this time because of blood loss. If the test is intended to show your stable iron stores, laboratories and doctors usually suggest having it a few days after your period ends. It is best to ask the doctor who ordered the test.

What are the symptoms of low ferritin?

Low ferritin often causes non-specific symptoms: fatigue, drowsiness, pale skin, hair loss, brittle nails and reduced exercise tolerance. However, the same symptoms can have other causes, such as an underactive thyroid or vitamin D deficiency. It is therefore unwise to guess: tests should be ordered and interpreted by a doctor. We compare thyroid test prices in the article TSH, FT3 and FT4 tests: price, and vitamin D test prices in vitamin D level test.

The laboratory provides the normal ferritin range, including during pregnancy, on the printed result, and reference ranges vary between laboratories. During pregnancy, decisions about tests and supplements should be made by the doctor overseeing the pregnancy.

What affects the price of a ferritin test?

The price of a ferritin test mainly depends on the laboratory chain and the specific collection point, with the highest prices reaching twice the lowest. Other factors include:

• City. In large cities, such as Warsaw, collection point price lists may be higher than in smaller localities.
• Online purchase. A test purchased from a laboratory’s online shop may be cheaper than one purchased at the counter.
• Package. A ferritin test in a package with a full blood count and an iron test usually costs less than the total price of the tests purchased separately.
• Home blood collection. A nurse’s home visit incurs an additional charge on top of the test prices.

How can you avoid overpaying for iron tests?

Compare the price of the same test at two or three chains in your city, as differences between collection points are greater than differences between chains. Check whether a package contains what you need instead of buying tests your doctor has not ordered. If you have an employer-provided medical package, check whether it includes a ferritin test at no extra cost.

„Warszawa. Od 75,05 PLN”

Diagnostyka (diag.pl), source

„Średnia cena oznaczenia ferrytyny w Polsce wynosi około 45 zł. Najczęściej spotkasz stawki w przedziale 41-48 zł”

vitmeup.pl, 2026, source

„od 58 zł”

ALAB laboratoria, source

You can find more test and appointment prices in the health category. This article compares prices and is not a substitute for medical advice: a doctor should decide which tests you need and what the result means.

The prices in this article come from public laboratory price lists and articles. Each price has a source, date and verbatim quotation on the how much does a ferritin test cost page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a private ferritin test cost?

Ferrytyna kosztuje prywatnie zwykle PLN 51 ‑ 67, mediana to PLN 58. Najtańsze punkty pobrań biorą od PLN 41, najdroższe w dużych miastach do PLN 75.05.

How much does a ferritin test cost at ALAB or Diagnostyka?

Ceny w sieciach laboratoriów zależą od punktu pobrań. W cennikach, które zebraliśmy, ferrytyna w dużych sieciach kosztuje od PLN 37 do PLN 89, a mediana to PLN 56. Aktualną cenę w konkretnym punkcie sprawdź w sklepie internetowym sieci.

Which falls first: ferritin or iron?

Zwykle najpierw spada ferrytyna, bo pokazuje zapasy żelaza, które organizm zużywa, zanim obniży się poziom żelaza we krwi. Wynik zawsze warto omówić z lekarzem.

How long does it take to receive a ferritin test result?

Wynik ferrytyny laboratoria wydają zwykle w ciągu jednego do dwóch dni roboczych, często online. Badanie kosztuje zwykle PLN 51 ‑ 67.

Do you need a referral for a ferritin test?

Prywatnie nie, badanie można kupić w punkcie pobrań albo w sklepie internetowym laboratorium za około PLN 58. Skierowanie jest potrzebne, żeby zrobić je bezpłatnie na NFZ.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

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