BHCG EIA Kit

Ferritin is the major iron storage protein found in nature. This iron-containing protein, with a molecular weight of 450 kDa, may contain as many as 4,000 iron atoms. Normally approximately 1% of the plasma iron is contained in ferritin. Ferritin levels are high at birth but fall during the first few months and remain low in childhood, generally rising again after puberty. In normal adults ferritin levels are higher in men than in women. The plasma ferritin is in equilibrium with body stores, and variations in the quantity of iron in the storage compartment are reflected in plasma ferritin concentration.
Measurements of serum iron concentration have been widely used as aids in the diagnosis of iron deficiency. On the other hand, a large number of hemolytic or chronic diseases result in increased serum ferritin concentration. These diseases include Thalassemias, chronic infections, chronic inflammatory disorders, acute or chronic liver disease and numerous malignancies especially acute leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and breast cancer.