Optical Detection of Red Blood Cell Aggregation in a Disposable Microfluidic Channel

• Published in: Journal of mechanical science and technology Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 887 - 893
• Main Authors: Shin Sehyun, Jang Ju-Hee, Park Myung-Soo, Ku Yunhee, Suh Jang-Soo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한기계학회 01.03.2005
• Subjects: 기계공학; Aggregation; Vibration; Light-Backscattering; Red Blood Cell
• ISSN: 1738-494X; 1976-3824

The aggregability of red blood cells (RBCs) was determined by laser backscattering light analysis in a microfluidic channel. Available techniques for RBC aggregation often adopt a rotational Couette-flow using a bob-and-cup system for disaggregating RBCs, which causes the system to be complex and expensive. A disposable microfluidic channel and vibration generating mechanism were used in the proposed new detection system for RBC aggregation. Prior to measurement, RBC aggregates in a blood sample were completely disaggregated by the application of vibration-induced shear. With the present apparatus, the aggregation indexes of RBCs can be measured easily with small quantities of a blood sample. The measurements with the present aggregometer were compared with those of LORCA and the results showed a strong correlation between them. The aggregability of the defibrinogenated blood RBCs is markedly lower than that of the normal RBCs. The noble feature of this design is the vibration-induced disaggregation mechanism, which can incorporate the disposable element that holds the blood sample.