The non-invasive test was originally developed to detect elevated iron levels in humans. An excess of iron can cause hemosiderosis -- a rare but often fatal condition in which iron accumulates in the lungs.

Veterinarians can treat abnormalities in iron levels with dietary adjustments tailored to the needs of individual animals.

"With this test, we can easily and safely monitor the iron levels in marmosets and tamarins for early identification of individuals that may be predisposed to develop hemosiderosis … despite the low iron diet that has been fine-tuned to the unique requirements of these species," said Dr. Kristine Smith, lead author of the study.

"Commonly, discoveries in animals lead to helping human health, but this is an instance in which methodologies developed to detect conditions in humans can help veterinarians provide the same level of care to animals that share similar conditions," said Smith, who added the test can also be used to monitor iron levels in birds, bats, rhinoceros and lemurs.

The study appears in The American Journal of Primatology.