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

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.