The purpose of this article is to document some aspects related to the instruments at present used in diverse european, asian and american countries to measure quality of life related to the health. Also describes the fortitude and utility in its application, and proposes the interest of these tools, specially the SF38 for the social and economic analysis. This instrument allows to establish a base line in the health profile determination wich is inserted in the studies as the National Health Survey because of the continuity of this dates allow us medical care planification estrategies and the health usuaries attention.