Ferritin In Serum/plasma

Reference-interval

* during childhood & age 55 & older, the sex difference is not apparent.
Ferritin levels below 10ng/mL have been reported as indicative of iron deficiency anemia. There are patients with iron deficiency anemia who have elevated or normal ferritin levels because of other causes, such as, hepatocellular disease or iron therapy.

The IMx FERRITIN assay is based on the Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) technology. The reagents are added to the reaction cell in the following sequence:

The probe/ electrode assembly delivers the sample, specimen Diluent, Anti-Ferritin Alkaline Phosphatase Conjugate, Coated Microparticles to the incubation well of the reaction cell.
The enzyme-labeled antibody, ferritin & microparticles bind forming an 'Antibody-Antigen' Complex.
An aliquot of the reaction mixture containing the antibody- antigen complex bound to the microparticles is transferred to the glass fiber matrix. The microparticles bind irreversibly to the glass fiber matrix.
The matrix is washed to remove unbound materials.
The substrate, 4-Methyllumbelliferyl Phosphate, is added to matrix & the fluorescent product is measured by the MEIA optical assembly.

The availability of sensitive methods for measuring serum ferritin have significantly advanced the ability to detect iron deficiency & overload. Since iron deficiency is present before the onset of anemia, detection of an iron depleted state is important for the control of nutritional anemia. The clinical assessment of iron stores has historically relied on the determination of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity ( TIBC) and percent transferrin (ratio of serum iron & TIBC) or direct examination of bone marrow.
Ferritin is an acute phase reactant. Serum levels are increased in response to inflammation, although seldom > 400 ng/mL. Low serum ferritin (< 10 ng/mL) suggests depletion of total body iron stores, but a normal value does not exclude iron deficiency since ferritin is an acute phase reactant.
Serum ferritin > 100 ng/mL rules out iron deficiency anemia. [5]
Values of serum ferritin > 800 ng/mL suggest hemochromatosis.

Serum specimens & plasma ( heparin only) may be used.
If the assay is to be performed within 24 hours after collection, the specimen should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 C. If the testing will be delayed more than 24 hours, the specimen should be frozen. Mix thoroughly after thawing to ensure consistency in the results. Avoid repeated freezing & thawing.
Specimens showing particulate matter, erythrocytes, or turbidity should be centrifuged before testing.

SAMPLE : 150 uL of specimen is the minimum volume required to perform the assay.

Abbott Laboratories, Diagnostic Division,Abbott Park,IL.60064 Metabolic/Anemic Assays,IMx Ferritin, NOVEMBER 1989.
IMx System OPERATION MANUAL, Abbott Diagnostics, A Division of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL. 60064, August 1988.
IMx System ASSAY MANUAL, Abbott Diagnostics, A Division of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL. 60064, August 1988.
Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd edition, NW Tietz ed, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1995
Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 14, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2006

ferritin in serum/plasma