Reference values for serum ferritin in Chinese Han ethnic males: Results from a Chinese male population survey

ObjectivesWe calculated central-95-interpercentile reference values for serum ferritin (SF).Design and methodsSerum samples were collected from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES). After screening, we enrolled a total of 1,223 Chinese Han men between the ages of 20 and 69 years. SF values were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The two-sided 95-percentile reference values were calculated using both parametric and nonparametric statistical methods.ResultsSF values were distributed log-normally. The central-95-percentile reference values for SF were 88.2–771.7 μg/L (nonparametric) or 104.0–832.2 μg/L (parametric). Neither the non-smoking and smoking group (P = 0.921) nor the non-drinking and drinking group (P = 0.584) exhibited any difference in SF. Higher concentrations of SF were associated with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (r = 0.266, P < 10− 5) but not with increasing age of the participants (P = 0.808).ConclusionThe reference values for SF calculated in this study are higher than previously-reported reference levels.

► Serum ferritin was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.
► Concentrations of serum ferritin were associated with Body Mass Index.
► The reference values are higher than previously-reported reference levels.