The Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer (LORCA) as red blood cell aggregometer

The Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyzer (LORCA) is unique in its capacity to measure at least two important hemorheological parameters, i.e., deformability of red blood cells (RBC) as well as their aggregation behaviour. In this communication the main principles and characteristics of the aggregometer mode of this instrument are described. Via syllectometry (i.e., laser backscatter versus time), the method allows the measure of both static and kinetic parameters of the aggregation process, e.g., total extent of aggregation, aggregation half time and a combination of these, defined as aggregation index. When the syllectogram deviates from that representing normal rouleaux formation, e.g., in the case of RBC clump formation, this is signalled by a fit error. Maximal flexibility is obtained by various options like an automated re-iteration procedure (which enables to measure the aggregation tendency and/or the aggregate stability) and aggregation at low shear rate. Experiments dealing with reproducibility, stability and sensitivity of the instrument are described. The latter include a few "classic" methods for inducing subtle changes in RBC aggregation behaviour both regarding cellular factors (heat treatment) and changes in medium constituents (fibrinogen, dextrans).It can be concluded that the aggregometer mode of the LORCA considerably increases the feasibility of this instrument for hemorheological investigations.