Separation of red blood cells by field flow fractionation

Field flow fractionation (FFF) is a new methodology described as being well-suited for the separation and characterization of biopolymers and particles. On theoretical grounds, cells may be separated with FFF if they differ in size, density or deformability. In the present study, we first tried to determine optimal separation conditions for red blood cells; thereafter we used FFF to examine red cell changes during a phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia. It has been shown that in less than 30 minutes, FFF is able to separate normal red blood cells from Heinz body-rich cells or reticulocytes that differ in size or density. The successive steps of hemolysis and regeneration appear clearly on the fractograms. Advantages and drawbacks of the method are discussed.