Solid phase immunoradiometric assay for porcine serum ferritin

1. A solid phase immunoradiometric assay using anti-serum coated polystyrene tubes, is described for the assay of porcine serum ferritin. 2. The mean concentration of ferritin in the serum of both male and female pigs (Sus scrofa) was 12.1 micrograms/l +/- 8.7 micrograms (range less than 1-35 micrograms/l) and no sex differences were observed in 40 pigs from 1 day to 4 years old. 3. Serum ferritin increased with increasing body iron stores in iron loaded pigs as assessed by hepatic iron concentration. 4. The assay is sensitive (detecting less than 1 microgram/l), reproducible, specific and it does not cross-react with human or rat ferritin.