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A novel mini-invasive finger-prick protocol for preparing blood micro-samples for morphological analysis of human
Paola Petrone1, Mariadonata Fortunato1, Eugenio Paccagnini1
1Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
Abstract:
Here we describe the development and optimization of a new protocol for the preparation and surface imaging by scanning electron microscope of human erythrocytes from blood micro-samples obtained by finger prick. By testing several key pre-analytical conditions for blood sampling, erythrocyte preservation, storage and imaging, we designed a rapid new minimally-invasive reproducible method for obtaining uniform deposition of an adequate number of erythrocytes with well-preserved morphology on a substrate. The possibility of obtaining reliable reproducible high resolution morphometric data on peripheral erythrocytes makes this protocol valuable for diagnostic and basic research purposes.
Insights
This study presents a new, minimally-invasive protocol for preparing human erythrocytes from finger-prick blood samples for scanning electron microscopy. The optimized method ensures well-preserved cell morphology, enabling reliable diagnostic and research data.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is crucial for visualizing cell morphology.
- Traditional blood sample preparation for SEM can be time-consuming and require large volumes.
- Micro-sampling techniques offer potential for less invasive diagnostic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a novel protocol for preparing human erythrocytes from minimal blood samples for SEM.
- To ensure the preservation of erythrocyte morphology during sample preparation and imaging.
- To establish a reproducible method for obtaining high-resolution morphometric data.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of pre-analytical conditions including blood sampling, erythrocyte preservation, and storage.
- Development of a rapid, minimally-invasive method for uniform erythrocyte deposition on a substrate.
- Surface imaging of human erythrocytes using scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- A new, reproducible protocol for preparing human erythrocytes from finger-prick blood micro-samples was established.
- The protocol ensures uniform deposition and well-preserved morphology of erythrocytes.
- High-resolution morphometric data can be reliably obtained from peripheral erythrocytes.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol offers a rapid, minimally-invasive, and reproducible method for erythrocyte SEM analysis.
- This technique is valuable for both diagnostic applications and fundamental research in hematology.
- The protocol facilitates the acquisition of reliable morphometric data from small blood volumes.
