EXPERIENCE WITH THEIN VITROERYTHROCYTE UPTAKE OF I131-LABELEDl-TRIIODOTHYRONINE IN A ROUTINE CLINICAL LABORATORY*

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Abstract
The in vitro erythrocyte uptake of I131-labeled l-triiodothyronine was determined reproducibly in a routine clinical laboratory 424 times in 348 subjects. The erythrocyte uptake was significantly lower in euthyroid females than in euthyroid males. Hyperthyroidism caused a significant elevation, whereas hypothyroidism, menstruation, pregnancy and liver disease caused a significant depression of the uptake. The administration of iodine-containing compounds was associated with an increase in the erythrocyte uptake, but not sufficient to interfere with the usefulness of the test. This test is an inexpensive simple and rapid method of estimating thyroid function; the administration of radioisotope is eliminated. The results compare favorably in accuracy with those of other currently used thyroid function tests, and may be more useful for purposes of following the effects of therapy in thyroid disease, and in the management and diagnosis of normal and disordered pregnancy.