SUMMARY Red cell survival was studied in 22 cirrhotic patients and in four healthy volunteers by the 51Cr method. Seven patients (32 per cent) showed a definite reduction in the apparent half survival time (51Cr T4 below 20 days). Eight patients (36 per cent) showed a borderline reduction (51Cr T4 20–24 days). Seven patients (32 per cent) showed a normal 51Cr T4 of 25 days or more. All four controls had 51Cr T4 of 25 days or more. Surface counting over the spleen showed excess spleen counts more marked in those patients with a shorter red cell life span.

No abstract