The half-life of an intravenously injected bolus of intralipid 20% was measured in normal rats in order to asess its relationship to reticuloendothelial system (RES) activity. Groups of animals were studied following various treatments, and the results compared to measurement of carbon clearance in similar groups. The RES effects of silica and C parvum were confirmed by the carbon clearance test, but no effect was seen on the half-life of intralipid. Intralipid clearance was shortened by fasting and the administration of intravenous heparin, neither of which affected carbon clearance. It is concluded that the intravenous intralipid test has no place in the asessment of RES function.