Clinical applications to the ektacytometer

Abstract

The laser light scattered by erythrocytes subjected to a well defined shear stress can be analysed with the Ektacytometer to obtain information regarding the changes in all shape due to fluid shear. We used this technique for measuring cell deformation in different clinical status: diabetes, liver disease, geriatric population, arterial hypertension, and other clinical vascular disease. The results were compared to other biological parametes as: rheological parameters with a Couette viscometer, erythrocyte filtrability; coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters, tested as an index of a potent endothelial lesion. No reduced cell deformability was noted in clinical status at 290 mOs. However, by modifying the osmotic strength of the suspending medium we can demonstrate the influence of S/V ratio and the internal viscosity upon erythrocyte deformability.