Notes on the thiocyanate iron reaction : a modified procedure for the quantitative determination of iron in biological materials

Abstract

1. A modified procedure of the thiocyanate method for the micro-determination of iron in biological materials is described. 2. Evidence is presented to show its efficiency in the presence of moderate quantities of copper and relatively large concentrations of phosphate and calcium. 3. Hydrochloric or sulphuric acid is preferable to nitric acid, which should rather be avoided. 4. For colour stability it is essential to avoid recovered iso-amyl alcohol previously used for either iron or copper determinations. 5. A detailed description of a wet combustion procedure is given. 6. Some data on the iron and copper contents of tissues are given. 7. It can be concluded that the proposed method not only satisfies the need for a time-saving and simple procedure, but also conforms to the requirements for accuracy and reliability, if the necessary precautionary measures are taken.