Blood volume measurements as a support tool for clinical assessments hold great potential

Within Nephrology, blood volume measurement is used in clinical practice as a supplementary tool for medical assessment and decision-making. The measurement is implemented as a support tool that produces objective data, but does not replace clinical judgment. Importantly, blood volume measurement should help to nuance and refine the assessment of treatment needs.

Although the technology is valuable, it has not eliminated all uncertainty in the decision-making process. During the test period, results were often not available until critical decisions had already been made, which limited the immediate utility of the measurement in acute situations. To date at the nephrology department, blood volume measurement has mainly been used during outpatient visits and has therefore not had a significant impact on the course of hospitalization or acute treatment strategies.

Particular potential is seen for blood volume measurement in patients with renal failure and for the dosing of erythropoietin (EPO), as accurate determination of plasma volume and red cell volume may facilitate more individualized treatment. However, experience in this area still remains limited, and there is a need for more systematic data collection and knowledge sharing.

There is significant development potential, especially in research and in connection with the treatment of hemodialysis patients. This patient group can greatly benefit from measurements that provide knowledge regarding fluid status and blood volume, which can support both treatment planning and longitudinal monitoring.

Based on initial experiences, continued access to blood volume measurement in clinical practice is recommended. However, a more systematic setup regarding the use, interpretation, and management of data would be desirable. A more structured and uniform approach could strengthen the clinical value of the method and ensure its targeted and effective application in patients who stand to benefit most.

In summary, blood volume measurement possesses clear potential, but realizing its full value will require a more integrated approach and closer alignment with the clinical decision-making process.

Within the cardiology specialty, blood volume measurement holds potential to play an important role in treatment planning and decision-making, particularly in situations characterized by diagnostic uncertainty. In cases of suspected heart failure, it can be challenging to determine whether a patient’s symptoms are due to fluid overload or other causes. In such scenarios, blood volume measurement may be decisive in confirming or rejecting a fluid balance disorder. In this way, the technology facilitates precise treatment management, both in deciding whether an initiated treatment should be continued, adjusted, or possibly discontinued.

The technology holds significant promise for reducing clinical uncertainty and supporting more targeted and effective patient treatment. When it comes to implementation in clinical practice, it is important to emphasize that blood volume measurement should not replace clinical judgement. On the contrary, the technology should be regarded as a supplement to clinical expertise, particularly supporting support on duty junior doctors, where decisions often have to be made quickly and in stressful situations.

Nonetheless, clinicians should not rely exclusively on measurement data without fully considering the overall clinical context. It is crucial that blood volume measurement is applied thoughtfully and in the appropriate context. The measurement is best used in selected patient groups where assessment with conventional methods is difficult, for example, patients with severe heart failure or other complex conditions where fluid status is difficult to assess clinically. Here, blood volume measurement can provide critical information that enables a more nuanced treatment strategy.

Conversely, blood volume measurement should not become a standard tool used routinely for all patients. Its strength lies in targeted application in situations where clinical assessment alone is insufficient. A selective and well-considered approach will therefore be key to achieving the greatest clinical benefit, without compromising medical professionalism.