Simultaneous measurements of red blood cell aggregation and blood viscosity in a slit rheometry with light transmission analysis

광 투사법을 이용한 슬릿 점도계에서의 적혈구 응집성 및 점도 측정에 관한 연구

The light-transmission technique has been applied to a slit rheometer for measuring red blood cell aggregation as well as blood viscosity over a range of shear rates. For measurement of blood viscosity and aggregation, instantaneous pressure and transmit-light intensity are measured with time. Using a precision pressure measurement, one can determine the shear stress and shear rate. In addition, a transmitted light through a blood sample indicates degree of RBC aggregation. With abruptly flowing with high shear rate, RBCs rapidly disaggregate and the intensity of the transmitted light becomes low. When continuously flowing with decreasing shear rate, RBCs tend to re-aggregate and the corresponding transmit-intensity gradually increases with time. The light intensity as a degree of RBC aggregation is plotted against shear rate and compared with blood viscosity. The advantages of this design are dual measurement at a time, simplicity, i.e., ease of operation and no moving parts, low cost, short operating time, and the disposable kit which is contacted with blood sample.