Iron overload: detection using a micromethod for iron-binding capacity.

Depending upon the transferrin saturation value, 214 serum samples were divided into three groups--iron overloaded (46 cases), iron deficient (61 cases) and normal (107 cases)--and tested with a micromethod based upon detection of unsaturated iron binding capacity. All the samples with iron overload could be distinguished from the other two groups, the results of the normal and iron deficient groups showing wide scatter and overlap. The high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia and thalassaemia (iron overload) syndromes in India and other developing countries emphasises the need to differentiate these disorders at the earliest opportunity. The micromethod can be of immense help as it is a simple, rapid and inexpensive.