Ferrokinetics and Erythropoiesis in Man: The Measurement of Effective Erythropoiesis, Ineffective Erythropoiesis and Red Cell Lifespan using59Fe

Abstract

Existing ferrokinetic methods do not provide a direct and quantitative measurement of effective and ineffective red cell production. A new method is described for calculating the daily uptake of iron by maturing red cells and the mean red cell lifespan. Ineffective erythropoiesis and non‐erythroid iron turnover are also measured. The method involves standard laboratory techniques but the analysis requires access to a computer. The preliminary results suggest that it will be a clinically useful tool for the investigation of erythroid disorders.