A Radioimmunoassay for Serum Ferritin

Abstract We describe the development and evaluation of a serum ferritin radioimmunoassay, in which 125l-labeled ferritin and rabbit anti-ferritin antibody are used. Goat anti-rabbit gamma-globulin antibody, together with polyethylene glycol, is used as the separating reagent. The assay has a working range up to 500 µg of ferritin per litre, and a sample requirement of 75 µl of serum for assay at two dilutions. The assay requires 24 h. It has a sensitivity of 1.5 ,ug of ferritin per litre and a long-term precision (CV) of 13%. Reference intervals for a population of men were 18-330 µg/litre, with no marked age dependence, while those for a population of women older than 50 years were 18-200 Agate. Many apparently healthy women in the 20-50 year age group have much lower concentrations. Serum ferritin concentrations of <18 Agilitre are indicative of iron deficiency, defined as the absence of stainable iron in an aspirate of bone marrow.

A Radioimmunoassay for Serum Ferritin Journal Articles