Abstract

The survival of red cells labelled with indium-111 oxine in the circulation was determined. In vivo distribution at equilibrium and sites of deposition at the T50In--that is, the half life of labelled red cells--were quantitated with a scintillation camera and computer assisted image analysis. Although the rate of elution. Of 111In from the red cells was higher than that of chromium-51-disodium chromate, estimates of T50In and T50Cr corresponded reasonably well and were shortened in haemolytic anaemia. In normal subjects red cells were sequestered mainly in the liver and spleen. In five patients with different types of haemolytic anaemia two distinct patterns of red cell sequestration could be recognised: mainly splenic sequestration, and destruction of red cells in the liver, spleen, and the bone marrow. These patterns were expected for the particular disease studied.