[Blood microfiltration methods]

Red cell deformability can be approached by filtration through narrow channels either at constant pressure or at constant flow. A very simplified constant pressure method is described, measuring relative flow of 8% hematocrit red cells resuspended in buffer. A constant flow method is also described, using again 8 to 10% hematocrit, which the authors consider as more physiological than the very low hematocrits used by others. Significant results are obtained after incubation with pentoxifylline.