Spectrum analysis for assessing red blood cell aggregation using high-frequency ultrasound array transducer

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Ultrasound
• Medical Diagnostics
• Hematology

Background:

• Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation is a significant factor in various cardiovascular diseases.
• Accurate monitoring of RBC aggregation is crucial for disease diagnosis and management.
• Current monitoring methods may have limitations in sensitivity or applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel spectrum analysis technique for detecting and monitoring RBC aggregation.
• To assess the feasibility of using high-frequency ultrasound for RBC aggregation analysis.
• To evaluate the potential of this technique for clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 30-MHz linear array transducer to acquire backscattered radio-frequency signals from RBC samples.
• Analyzed signals in the frequency domain to extract spectral slope, midband fit, and Y intercept.
• Varied RBC aggregation levels by adjusting plasma concentration in porcine blood samples.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that the spectral slope, indicative of scatterer size, decreased with increasing RBC aggregation.
• Observed significant changes in spectral slope, midband fit, and Y intercept with varying aggregation levels.
• Mean spectral slope values at 40% hematocrit were 1.10 dB/MHz (non-aggregated) and -0.22 dB/MHz (70% plasma concentration).

Conclusions:

• The spectrum analysis technique is effective for monitoring RBC aggregation.
• The developed method shows promise for potential development in clinical diagnostic tools.
• High-frequency ultrasound combined with spectrum analysis offers a viable approach for RBC aggregation assessment.