A new method for measuring the anion transport activity of Band 3 in the erythrocyte inside-out vesicles (IOVs) was presented. Impermeable IOVs containing 80mmol/L dipicolinic acid (DPA) were obtained by pressing the IOVs through a No. 9 gauge needle in DPA - containing medium Efflux of DPA from the IOVs into Tb3+-containing transport buffer was monitored fluorometrically. The technique is highly sensitive, reproducible and much convenient as well.