Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry
Published on: January 12, 2018
Erythrocytes stored in CPD SAG-mannitol: evaluation of their deformability
P Izzo1, A Manicone, A Spagnuolo
1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche ed Oncologia Umana, Università degli Studi di Bari, Italy.
Insights
Erythrocyte deformability, a measure of red blood cell health, can be assessed using the Elongation Index (EI) in stored blood. This method helps evaluate the vitality of erythrocytes in blood samples over time.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Erythrocyte deformability is crucial for blood circulation.
- Stored blood quality is vital for transfusions.
- Assessing red blood cell vitality is essential for blood banking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate erythrocyte deformability in stored blood samples.
- To explore the Elongation Index (EI) as a measure of erythrocyte vitality.
- To assess red blood cell health in CPD SAG-mannitol preserved blood.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer (LORCA).
- Analyzed three blood samples from healthy donors.
- Measured progressive reduction in Elongation Index (EI) during storage.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a progressive reduction in erythrocyte Elongation Index (EI) over time.
- Showcased the capability of LORCA in measuring deformability changes.
- Indicated variability in erythrocyte vitality based on storage duration.
Conclusions:
- Progressive reduction in EI can serve as an indicator of erythrocyte vitality.
- LORCA is a suitable tool for evaluating red blood cell deformability in stored blood.
- The EI offers a quantitative method for assessing the quality of preserved erythrocytes.
Abstract:
The erythrocytes deformability of three blood samples coming from healthy donors has been evaluated by Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer (LORCA). Blood samples were stored in CPD SAG-mannitol. The study of progressive reduction in the Elongation Index (EI) during the preservation may be used as way of evaluation of erythrocyte vitality in stored blood samples.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...

