[Comparison of the ferritin and iron concentration in capillary and venous blood serum of children, adolescents and adults].

The ferritin and iron concentration were compared in sera from capillary and venous blood (n = 52). Ferritin was determined using a luminescence-enhanced enzyme immunoassay and iron by the ferrozine method. The results showed a very good correlation and a linear relationship for ferritin (r = 0.999) but not for iron (r = 0.855). It is concluded that capillary blood serum can be used only for the determination of ferritin.