Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Magnetic Levitation Coupled with Portable Imaging and Analysis for Disease Diagnostics
Published on: February 19, 2017
[Deformation and orientation of sickle erythrocytes submitted to shearing forces]
Blood from patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia gives a "cross shaped" diffraction pattern, when submitted to shear stresses in the Ektacytometer. This pattern, which seems to be specific to these cells, is due to the existence of two populations of elliptical cells: one population (normal, deformable cells) aligned parallel to the direction of the flow, and the other (abnormal, rigid cells) perpendicular to the direction of the flow.
Blood from patients with homozygous sickle cell anemia gives a "cross shaped" diffraction pattern, when submitted to shear stresses in the Ektacytometer. This pattern, which seems to be specific to these cells, is due to the existence of two populations of elliptical cells: one population (normal, deformable cells) aligned parallel to the direction of the flow, and the other (abnormal, rigid cells) perpendicular to the direction of the flow.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Shearing Stress
The average shearing stress can be calculated by dividing the shear by the area of the cross-section.
Shearing Strain
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
Deformation in a Circular Shaft
Plastic Deformation in Circular Shafts

