A method and apparatus for isolating iron components in serum is provided. The method includes passing a serum sample through a separation column having a solid phase and retaining with the solid phase an iron component, such as an iron carbohydrate, in the column. Elution of the solid phase may retrieve an eluate containing the iron component. The amount of iron component present in the eluate may then be measured. The present method and apparatus advantageously permit the direct measurement of the iron component present in the serum.