Erythrocyte aggregation: analysis by a computerized system

Erythrocyte aggregation is a useful indicator of the physico-chemical characteristics of erythrocytes and the suspending medium. Increased erythrocyte aggregation is the measure of blood flow abnormality and hence of cardiovascular complications. Erythrocyte aggregation has been shown to increase in many pathological conditions like cardiovascular and infectious diseases and cancer. Therefore, the measurement of erythrocyte aggregation is an important parameter in clinical and rheological laboratories. Many methods are available for the quantification of erythrocyte aggregation. These methods include the simple microscopic observation modern laser based instruments and advanced rheoscopic measurements. The present paper discusses a computerized system developed for the quantification of erythrocyte aggregation. This method is based on continuous measurement of laser light scattering through erythrocyte suspension. From the light profile, different aggregation parameters are computed on-line. Erythrocyte aggregation is quantified by different time and rate parameters automatically interpreted by the system. The sensitivity of the system has been studied by making alterations to erythrocytes and the suspending medium. Erythrocyte alterations are performed by diamide solution and suspending medium with dextran solutions. Results show a significant variation in the aggregation of modified samples as compared with controls (p<0.05-0.0005). Quantification by laser scattering is substantiated with results obtained from microphotographic and scanning electron microscopic studies.