Methods for establishing a working immunoradiometric assay for serum ferritin.

The two-site immunoradiometric assay for measurement of serum ferritin requires purified human ferritin and an avid high-titer antihuman ferritin antibody. Some of the antibody is radioiodinated following purification by immunoadsorption. All methods for preparation of these materials for the assay are described in minute detail. Performance of the assay itself and calculation of results are also described, and attention is drawn to several potential pitfalls. Adherence to these detailed descriptions will help to eliminate difficulties experienced by centers wishing to establish their own working serum ferritin assay.