[A filtration study of erythrocyte deformability]

The study of two flow methods (constant flow method and initial flow rate method) has been conducted to specify and compare methodological approaches to quantitation of red cell deformability. Washed red cells were resuspended in saline medium with glucose and albumin and examined for deformability by the above methods under different conditions. The parameters are presented to characterize flow curves obtained with the constant flow method. The authors have established optimal conditions for the measurements: the composition of the medium, the suspension HCT, leukocyte number, filtrate types, etc. With meeting of the above methodological requirements, both the methods permit quantitation of red cells deformability and can be utilized for stored blood and erythrocyte mass quality control.