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Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry
Published on: January 12, 2018
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Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry.
Nermi L Parrow1, Pierre-Christian Violet2, Hongbin Tu2
1Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine; nermi.parrow@nih.gov.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|January 25, 2018
Summary
Ektacytometry measures red blood cell deformability and heterogeneity, aiding in disease severity assessment and monitoring therapeutic responses in conditions like sickle cell anemia.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Biophysics
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Decreased red blood cell deformability is a hallmark of various diseases, often correlating with disease severity and complications.
- Interpreting deformability in heterogeneous blood samples is challenging due to the aberrant behavior of rigid cells under shear stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present ektacytometry as a method for measuring red blood cell (RBC) deformability and blood heterogeneity.
- To highlight the utility of ektacytometry in monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Ektacytometry utilizes laser diffraction viscometry to assess RBC deformability under varying shear stress or osmotic gradients.
- Analysis of diffraction pattern distortion quantifies erythrocyte heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- The degree of diffraction pattern distortion serves as an indicator of RBC heterogeneity.
- Osmotic gradient ektacytometry provides insights into RBC osmotic fragility and hydration status, relevant for sickle cell anemia.
Conclusions:
- Ektacytometry offers a reliable method for assessing RBC deformability and heterogeneity.
- This technique shows potential for monitoring various disorders including sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and hemolytic anemias.
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