Determination of Menstrual Blood Loss

There is a need for a simple and reliable method of measuring menstrual blood loss. Such measurements could be useful in clinical practice and in basic studies. A simple chemical method for quantifying blood loss is described. The method involves extracting tampons and towels used in blood collection for 20 hours with a sodium hydroxide solution. This method which has been used for 2 years is thought to be accurate and convenient. The method should be useful in determining the cause of iron deficiency anemia and for studies on the effect of various treatments on excessive menstrual bleeding.