Browsing by Subject "Erythrocyte aggregation"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Open Access
Microfluidic measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and monitoring of erytrocyte aggregation
(Chemical and Biological Microsystems Society, 2016) Isiksacan, Ziya; Elbuken, Çağlar
We developed a novel microfluidic opto-electro-mechanical system and performed ultrafast, cheap, and low-sample volume measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) from erythrocyte aggregation (EA). We also showed EA dynamics in real-time during measurements.
Open Access
An optofluidic point-of-care device for quantitative investigation of erythrocyte aggregation during coagulation
(Elsevier B.V., 2018) Işıksaçan, Ziya; Hastar, Nurcan; Erel, Ö.; Elbüken, Çağlar
Coagulation, the process leading to clot formation with the interplay of blood constituents, is a self-regulating mechanism, requiring attentive and periodic monitoring for numerous clinical cases. Erythrocyte aggregation (EA) is a characteristic behaviour of erythrocytes forming reversible clumps especially in vitro at low shear rates. The effect of EA during coagulation is overlooked in whole blood (WB) clotting assays, and the relationship between the two mechanisms is not well understood. We present an optofluidic point-of-care device enabling quantitative investigation of EA from 50 μl WB during the coagulation process. Not only did we explain the coagulation mechanism considering EA, but we also demonstrated coagulation time measurement from optical EA analysis. The device consists of a disposable cartridge and a handheld analyzer containing a pinch valve for fluid motion and optics for transmitted light measurement. Following the sample introduction and cessation of the valve operation, the optical signal is the lowest due to shear-induced cell disaggregation. Then, the signal increases due to EA until reaching a peak, indicating blood clotting. The working principle was proven through clinical tests for prothrombin time measurement. In addition to revealing the relation between coagulation and aggregation, this device is promising for rapid WB coagulation time measurement.
Open Access
A portable microfluidic system for rapid measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2016) Isiksacan, Z.; Erel, O.; Elbuken, C.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a frequently used 30 min or 60 min clinical test for screening of several inflammatory conditions, infections, trauma, and malignant diseases, as well as non-inflammatory conditions including prostate cancer and stroke. Erythrocyte aggregation (EA) is a physiological process where erythrocytes form face-to-face linear structures, called rouleaux, at stasis or low shear rates. In this work, we proposed a method for ESR measurement from EA. We developed a microfluidic opto-electro-mechanical system, using which we experimentally showed a significant correlation (R2 = 0.86) between ESR and EA. The microfluidic system was shown to measure ESR from EA using fingerprick blood in 2 min. 40 μl of whole blood is filled in a disposable polycarbonate cartridge which is illuminated with a near infrared emitting diode. Erythrocytes were disaggregated under the effect of a mechanical shear force using a solenoid pinch valve. Following complete disaggregation, transmitted light through the cartridge was measured using a photodetector for 1.5 min. The intensity level is at its lowest at complete disaggregation and highest at complete aggregation. We calculated ESR from the transmitted signal profile. We also developed another microfluidic cartridge specifically for monitoring the EA process in real-time during ESR measurement. The presented system is suitable for ultrafast, low-cost, and low-sample volume measurement of ESR at the point-of-care.