The use of total-body counters for the study of iron metabolism and iron loss.

Total-body counters designed for clinical use have considerable advantage and application over other methods for the measurement of iron metabolism. An investigation may be performed on an out-patient basis and the need for faecal collections avoided. Although the initial cost of their installation is high, this can be off-set by the saving of in-patient costs in 2 or 3 years of operation.