Laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyser (L.O.R.C.A.);I. A new instrument for measurement of various structural hemorheological parameters

The capacity of red blood cells to deform is of crucial importance for both macro and microcirculation. A satisfying technique for the measurement of this parameter is lacking so far. We have developed and tested in various studies an instrument for automatic measurement of red cell deformability by laser diffractometry. Recently, it appeared that the applicability of the instrument could be extended for measuring another structural hemorheological parameter, red blood cell aggregation. In this communication, a description of the Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyser (LORCA) is followed by the general methodology for the measurement of both red blood cell deformability and aggregation, demonstrating the practical versatility of this instrument in the field of hemorheology.