Blood volume analysis by radioisotopic dilution techniques: state of the art

In the last years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of blood volume abnormalities in the pathophysiology of several conditions and, consequently, a growing interest of accurate and rapid volume status assessment. Accordingly, there has been a surge of interest in blood volume analysis by radioisotopic dilution technique. However, there are still some controversies about this technique, such as the use of the f-cell ratio, the errors associated with the method and the reference values. This review aims to revise and discuss the theoretical and methodological aspects of this technique and also to discuss their controversies. Furthermore, it is questioned whether red cell volume or plasma volume can be accurately estimated once the other quantity has been measured or should red cell volume and plasma volume be directly measured. As a conclusion, blood volume analysis by radioisotopic dilution technique is still valid and very useful.