Monitoring the dynamics of chelation by DFO with the NTBI assay.

Serum samples of 9 patients with thalassemia were taken for NTBI measurements immediately before (0 minute) and at intervals of 30 minutes during and after infusion of DFO (0.5-1.0 g, IV). The duration of the treatment was 30 to 60 minutes, as indicated in the graph. The NTBI levels are shown in μmol/L as mean values of quadruplicates (SD < 10%). Negative values indicate chelation of contaminant iron present in reagents by serum components.