Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Magnetic Levitation Coupled with Portable Imaging and Analysis for Disease Diagnostics
Published on: February 19, 2017
A study of erythrocyte deformability in sickle cell disease
Abstract:
Erythrocyte deformability was studied in patients with sickle cell disease, using a filtration method under standard conditions. The erythrocyte deformability index (Vrbc) from homozygous (HbSS) patients was zero compared to 0.55 +/- 0.13 ml min-1 for controls with haemoglobin genotype HbAA. In the heterozygous (HbAS) sickle cell trait the mean Vrbc was 0.21 +/- 0.16 min-1 was significantly less (p less than 0.001) than in the HbAA cases. One patient with haemoglobin genotype HbAC had a normal Vrbc index of 0.53 ml min-1 while one HbSC patient had zero Vrbc index. It appears that erythrocyte deformability is independent of both the haemotocrit and haemoglobin concentration provided the haemoglobin remains normal. The results have been interpreted in the light of variation in red-cell morphology and clinical status of the patients.
Related Concept Videos
Erythropoiesis
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...

