The Determination of Iron in Blood, Tissues and Urine

Abstract

OF all colorimetric methods used for the determination of small quantities of iron the thiocyanate method is the best known, and is one which, provided its limitations are well understood, gives very good results. An extremely useful modification was introduced by Marriott and Wolf [1906] which consists in the development of the thiocyanate colour in the presence of acetone. By this means not only is the colour intensified and stabilised, but in our experience, the effect of interfering substances is considerably minimised and in some cases entirely prevented. Walker [1925], who in other respects has published a useful study of the thiocyanate method, appears to have overlooked this important modification. This objection is of no practical importance provided the final solution is made up in a stoppered graduated flask, for, since the final solution contains 50 % of water with considerable