Initial filtration rate and initial clogging in the hemorheometre

Abstract

The role of different factors contributing to red cell filterability in the Hemorheometre has been investigated. Although the original method uses a small volume of suspension to determine red cell filterability, the present experiments showed that the results obtained are still significantly affected by filter clogging. Consequently a change 1n filterability could be due to a change in filter clogging possibly by residual leucocytes. An adaptation of filter chamber and filling method is described, resulting 1n a simpler and faster measuring procedure. The inaccuracy in measuring low haematocrits contributes significantly to experimental errors. Therefore a definition of red cell filterability based on the red cell count (instead of haematocrit) of the suspension is suggested.