Effect of Protein Depletion on Rate of Disappearance of Radioactive Protein from the Blood Stream

Summary 1. Plasma volumes can be accurately determined by the radioactive (1-131) iodinated plasma protein method in nutritional hypoproteinemia. 2. The rate of disappearance of radioactive protein from the blood stream is the same in undernourished states as in normal and therefore cannot be utilized to determine the state of the protein reserves of the body. (3). In patients who are losing abnormal amounts of protein in the urine or into abscess cavities, the rate of disappearance appears to be increased. The use of radioactive serum albumin may offer a diagnostic aid in the detection of unexplained protein losses.