POPLINE Document Number: 194583
Author(s):
Zeng L
Sharieff W
Zlotkin S
Source citation:
Journal of Nutrition, 2004 Jul;134(4):1844-1845.
Abstract:
We are writing in reference to the recent article by Shell-Duncan and McDade. We share the authors’ interest in the development and application of a field-friendly screening method for detecting iron deficiency in community settings. The authors reported a community-based survey based on the measurement of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) using a modified whole-blood spot method, a method which required a single finger prick blood sample placed onto a spot of filter paper. We feel it is also necessary to bring to your attention some inaccuracies and limitations of the method used. Firstly, the authors claimed that their method for measuring sTfR on whole blood spot samples can be performed with the commercially available Ramco kit. We disagree with this important comment because the standards and sample diluents used for the assay were not part of the commercial kit, but were “home-made” in the laboratory of the authors. This would mean that even with the Ramco kit, the dilution buffer and standards would be inconsistent among laboratories with potentially different results. (excerpt)
Keywords:
KenyaIndex page
Critique
Methodological Studies
Evaluation
Child
Rural Population
Serum Iron Level
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Self Care
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Hemic System
Physiology
Biology
Examinations and Diagnoses
Treatment