Serum ferritin and marrow iron stores
Kalmin, N.D.; Robson, E.B.; Bettigole, R.E.
New York State Journal of Medicine 78(7): 1052-1055
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-7628 PMID: 275610 Document Number: 125976
Serum ferritin was estimated radioimmunologically to evaluate its usefulness in reflecting bone marrow iron stores. In bone marrow aspirates from 30 patients, serum ferritin, serum iron and total iron-binding capacity were evaluated. Serum ferritin accurately reflected the iron stores in uncomplicated iron deficiency. Hepatitis and chronic disease caused high serum ferritin values in the presence of normal iron stores. Of the 30 patients whose marrow iron stains were studied, 6 with absent stainable iron had very low values for serum ferritin.