Analysis of light scattering by red blood cells in ektacytometry using global pattern fitting

Biorheology. 2012;49(5-6):317-28. doi: 10.3233/BIR-2012-0616.

Abstract

Ektacytometry measures the shape of red blood cells under shear stress by analyzing the diffraction pattern of laser light passing through a thin layer of suspended cells. Here we model the diffraction pattern using a combination of Bessel and anomalous scattering functions, and employ a global pattern-fitting technique over nine different shear stresses to determine the separate mechanical properties of normal and non-deformable cells. This technique is capable of yielding the correct elongation index of the normal cells over a range of shear stresses even when they are mixed with as much as 50% non-deformable cells. Additionally, the relative concentrations of normal and non-deformable cells can be determined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Computer Simulation
  • Erythrocyte Deformability
  • Erythrocytes / chemistry
  • Erythrocytes / physiology*
  • Glutaral / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Light*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Scattering, Radiation*
  • Shear Strength

Substances

  • Glutaral