<p>Assessment of lymphoedema can pose challenges to the clinician. There is no universally accepted standardised method for measurement. In this, the first of two articles, Leigh Ward, a pioneer in the application of bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) for assessment of breast cancer-related lymphoedema, makes a strong case that BIS technology now warrants consideration as the reference method for this purpose. In the second of this series, the counter arguments will be put and justification provided for alternative assessment methods. The challenge for all those involved in lymphoedema assessment is to reach agreement on this pressing issue of standardisation.</p>
