Comparison of initial-flow-rate and positive-pressure filtration methods for the study of erythrocyte deformability

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lucas, G.S. | Caldwell, N.M. | Meakin, M. | Stuart, J.^{; *}

Affiliations: Department of Haematology, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TJ, UK

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to Professor J. Stuart

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor J. Dormandy

Abstract: A comparison of filtration methods for the study of erythrocyte deformability has been made using an initial-flow-rate gravity filtration instrument (Hémorhéomètre) and both the initial (Pi) and final (Pf) pressures of positive-pressure filtration systems. Pf was the most sensitive filtration parameter for the detection of either a sub-population of hardened erythrocytes or a more uniform loss of deformability of the bulk cell population. This pilot study provides a basis for evaluation of commercial instruments and demonstrates the potential sensitivity, and improving precision, of positive-pressure systems.

Keywords: Rheology, Erythrocyte deformability, Erythrocyte filtration

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1983-3604

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 3, no. 6, pp. 525-534, 1983