A biotin-avidin enzyme immunoassay for the quantitation of serum ferritin

A biotin-avidin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for measurement of ferritin in human serum is described. This procedure involves the use of specific antibody immobilized on beads, biotin-labeled specific antibody and enzyme-labeled avidin. Reproducible results were achieved within 2 h for ferritin in serum in the range of 5-500 ng/ml. Ferritin levels as low as 0.1 ng/ml can be measured. The biotin-avidin EIA, a radioimmunoassay kit, and an EIA kit were used to determine serum ferritin levels in healthy adults. Good agreement was found between the biotin-avidin EIA and the other methods.