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Characterization of blood using terahertz waves.
Kiyoung Jeong1, Yong-Min Huh, Sang-Hoon Kim
1Yonsei University, Graduate Program for Nanomedical Science, Seoul 120-749, Republic of KoreabYonsei University, YUHS-KRIBB Medical Convergence Research Institute, and Severance Biomedical Science Institute, College of Medicine, Department of Radiology, 250 Seongsanno, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|October 30, 2013
Summary
Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) can characterize blood by measuring optical constants. This technique shows a linear relationship between THz absorption and red blood cell concentration, enabling quantitative blood analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Medical Diagnostics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Accurate blood characterization is crucial for medical diagnostics.
- Conventional methods for analyzing blood components can be time-consuming and complex.
- Terahertz (THz) technology offers non-ionizing and label-free detection capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) for characterizing blood.
- To determine the complex optical constants of blood and its constituents in the THz frequency range.
- To assess the feasibility of THz-TDS for quantitative analysis of red blood cell (RBC) concentration.
Main Methods:
- Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) was employed to measure the optical properties of blood, plasma, water, and red blood cells (RBCs).
- Complex optical constants (refractive index and absorption coefficient) were extracted in the THz frequency region.
- THz absorption constants were correlated with varying RBC concentrations in different mediums, including whole blood and normal saline.
- THz imaging was utilized to confirm the linearity of the THz signal with RBC concentration within a polyurethane resin tube.
Main Results:
- The complex optical constants of blood and its constituents were successfully obtained in the THz frequency region.
- A linear relationship was observed between THz absorption constants and RBC concentration in both normal saline and whole blood.
- THz imaging confirmed the excellent linearity between the THz signal and RBC concentration.
- The volume percentage of RBCs determined by THz-TDS showed good agreement with conventional RBC counter results.
Conclusions:
- Terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) is a viable method for characterizing blood properties.
- THz-TDS enables quantitative analysis of red blood cell (RBC) concentration through linear absorption-concentration relationships.
- THz-TDS imaging offers a promising, non-invasive approach for rapid and accurate blood analysis.
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