Red cell volume determination using a stable isotope of chromium.
OBJECTIVE
To validate and improve a method of red cell volume determination by use of a stable isotope of chromium.


METHODS
Twelve subjects were sequentially injected with red blood cells labeled with a stable isotope of chromium (53Cr) and red blood cells labeled with radioisotopic chromium (51Cr). Measurement of 53Cr dilution was by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Measurement of 51Cr dilution was by gamma counter.


RESULTS
Comparison of the two methods led to results that differed on average by 34.5 +/- 45.0 mL (1.8 +/- 2.2%), 0.3 to 3.2%, 95% confidence interval.


CONCLUSIONS
Measurement of red cell volume by use of a stable isotope of chromium is accurate, with potential applications including measurement in pregnant women and children or other groups in whom exposure to radioisotopes is undesirable.
Silver
H M
HM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brown University, Women and Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence 02905, USA.
Seebeck
M A
MA
Cowett
R M
RM
Patterson
K Y
KY
Veillon
C
C
D001810:Blood Volume; D002859:Chromium Isotopes; D002860:Chromium Radioisotopes; D004911:Erythrocyte Volume; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male
D002859:Chromium Isotopes; D002860:Chromium Radioisotopes