Capillary pore rheology of erythrocytes: II. A method for the preparation of leucocyte-poor erythrocyte suspensions suitable for capillary pore rheometry

Abstract

In a recent study (Paper I) of the present series, pressure drop-velocity data were obtained for erythrocytes in the 7 μm diameter pores of Nuclepore filters at velocities from 0.01 to 0.8 mm·sec −1. Evidence was obtained for elasto-hydrodynamic behaviour such as has recently been predicted by Lighthill and Fitz-Gerald. It was found that progressive obstruction of the capillary pores could only be avoided, and sequential pressure-velocity measurements made if platelet aggregates, leucocytes, and/or leucocyte debris were effectively removed from the erythrocyte suspensions used. A method for preparing erythrocyte suspensions suitable for capillary pore rheometry is described and discussed in relation to previously used techniques and possible future methods.