The measured concentration time curve of an injected substance is often used as a basis for calculating the distribution volume. For the first time, the present paper describes a generally applicable formula for calculating the asymptote of a concentration time curve in medical applications. With a knowledge of this formula, previously unexplained phenomena (varying results obtained from two different methods of calculating the distribution volume) can now be understood. At the same time, errors of methodology (choice of injection and measuring sites) can be avoided.