Measurement of erythrocyte deformability using a stroboscopic recording centrifuge

A stroboscopic recording centrifuge technique is described which can measure deformability of red blood cells in terms of the rate of packing at low g. It can be used to measure several whole blood samples simultaneously, with accurate control of the speed of rotation and recording time. Only 0.05 ml of blood is required per measurement, and no prior treatment or preparation of the sample is necessary. The calibration procedures to allow for variations of the haematocrit and plasma fibrinogen level are explained.