[The determination of erythrocyte deformability using a filtration method]

Red cell deformability was assessed in donors, patients with chronic renal insufficiency, and with thermal injuries by filtration through special filters. Filtration of donor red cells decreased their count but insignificantly; in patients with chronic renal insufficiency this characteristic was lowered, particularly so before hemoperfusion, whereas after hemoperfusion red cell deformability improved. Changes of red cell deformability in patients with thermal injuries is an objective criterion reflecting the status of the erythron peripheral component in connection with the severity of injury and course of its healing.