Radioiron and erythropoiesis: methods, interpretation and clinical application

Ferrokinetic studies have fallen somewhat out of fashion and this is probably because T 1/2, PIT and percentage utilization give a poor reflection of the state of erythropoiesis. Recent advances have, however, enabled total, effective and ineffective erythropoiesis to be measured. The technique is simple but time-consuming, and analysis of the data requires access to computing facilities. Nevertheless, when bone marrow erythroid activity must be assessed these radioiron methods offer a rational approach.