Erythrocyte filtration: Analysis of different methods by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

In the present study, the authors evaluated on different subjects the filtration of whole blood with either EDTA or heparin, and the filtration of red blood cells resuspended in autologous plasma with haematocrit adjusted at 20%. After use, the filtration membranes were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (S.E.M.).

Use of whole blood and heparin gave the longest filtration times and, on S.E.M. examination, showed numerous membrane holes occluded by platelet plugs. Use of red blood cells diluted with plasma led to a lesser degree of membrane plugging, but was often associated with marked alterations of the erythrocyte shape, probably resulting from more frequent microtrauma in the dilution procedure.