The ICSH reference method for serum iron assay: recommendation for a viable automated alternative

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) reference method for serum iron assay is the current standard.
• Automated batch analysis requires a method that is efficient and accurate for processing multiple samples simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a viable alternative to the ICSH reference method for serum iron assay suitable for automated batch analysis.
• To introduce Ferrozene as a key component in contemporary automated iron assay methodologies.
• To address and resolve the Donnan effect encountered in membrane dialysis within automated systems.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a novel assay using Ferrozene in an automated platform.
• Investigation of the Donnan effect by tracking 59FeCl3 in aqueous and protein matrices during membrane dialysis.
• Analysis of sample matrices to understand their behavior within the dialysis system.

Main Results:

• Ferrozene enables the use of contemporary automated methodology for serum iron assays.
• The Donnan effect on membrane dialysis was successfully resolved.
• Understanding the fate of 59FeCl3 in different matrices confirmed the resolution of the Donnan effect.

Conclusions:

• The proposed Ferrozene-based method is a viable alternative to the ICSH reference method for automated serum iron determination.
• This methodology enhances the efficiency and accuracy of serum iron assays in batch analysis settings.
• The successful resolution of the Donnan effect represents a significant advancement in automated analytical techniques.