Method for measuring non-transferrin bound iron

摘要

A method for determining the concentration of a non-bound metal ion in a sample of serum or other biological fluids. A surface coated with a polymer-conjugated form of a metal chelator is provided. The sample is brought into contact with the coated surface, under conditions and for a period of time sufficient to allow the metal ion to be captured by the metal chelator. Marker conjugated with a moiety that can be captured by the metal chelator is brought into contact with the coated surface. The amount of marker that has been released by capture of the metal ion by the coated surface is determined, and the concentration of the metal ion in the sample is calculated from the concentration of binding sites left available for capturing the metal ion bound to the marker.