Ferritin

Code

2250

Principle

Ferritin is a large spherical protein consisting of 24 non-covalently linked subunits and having a molecular weight of approximately 450,000.The subunits form a shell surrounding a central core containing variable amounts of ferric hydroxyphosphate. One molecule of ferritin is capable of binding between 4000 and 5000 atoms of iron, making ferritin the major iron storage protein for the body.

Preanalytical

1 mL Serum Refrigerated

Turn Around Time

1 day

Methodology

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Limitations

Patients who have been regularly exposed to animals or have received immunotherapy or diagnostic procedures utilizing immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments may produce antibodies, e.g. HAMA, that interfere with immunoassays.

All results should be interpreted in light of the total clinical presentation of the patient, including: symptoms, clinical history, data from additional tests and other appropriate information.