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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry

Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry

Published on: January 12, 2018

Red blood cell storage and cell morphology.

B Blasi¹, A D'Alessandro, N Ramundo

¹Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Largo dell'Universitá snc, Viterbo, Italy.

Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)

|March 8, 2012

Summary

Red blood cell (RBC) storage leads to significant morphology changes after 14 days, with over 50% of RBCs showing altered shapes by day 21, impacting transfusion safety.

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Area of Science:

Hematology
Biomedical Engineering
Transfusion Medicine

Background:

Liquid storage of red blood cells (RBCs) is a standard transfusion therapy.
Concerns exist regarding the safety of prolonged RBC storage.
Evidence suggests potential issues with older stored RBCs.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess morphology-related parameters in leuco-filtered erythrocyte concentrates.
To monitor changes from blood withdrawal up to 42 days of storage.

Main Methods:

Weekly assessment of morphology using scanning electron microscopy.
Statistical image analysis coupled with osmotic fragility tests.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate measurements.

Main Results:

Over 50% of RBCs exhibited non-discocyte phenotypes by day 21.
Osmotic fragility increased significantly by day 21.
Cation dysregulation may contribute to RBC storage lesions.

Conclusions:

Significant alterations in RBC morphology occur after 14 days of storage.
Morphological changes become significant by the 21st day.
These findings highlight potential risks associated with extended RBC storage duration.