Reliability and validity of polymicroviscometry (PMV): Determination of packed RBC flow rate through cellulose fiber filters

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Neumann, F.J. | Wilgalis, M. | Teitel, P.

Affiliations: Abteilung Physiologie, RWTH Aachen, Forckenbeckstr, 0-5100 Aachen, F.R.G

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor J.S. Stoltz

Abstract: In order to estimate the reliability and validity of PMV the rheological behaviour of packed RBC suspensions ascertained by PMV was correlated to the shear stress - shear rate relationship measured by rotational viscometry. The filtrometer as developed by TEITEL & Mussler was used. 10 samples of normal RBC and 10 samples of RBC altered by hypertonicity or diarnide treatment were examined in all of four channels of the filtrometer. Viscometry was performed in the DEER-rheometer. Above a shear stress of about 1 Pa PMV was found to be an appropriate tool to assess the viscous behaviour of RBC suspensions: correlation coefficients between FPR and apparent fluidity varied from 0.92 to 0.95 and the variation coefficient ranged around 10%. Below 15% of the full range of pressures analyzed (p=38 Pa) PMV does not significantly reflect the apparent viscosity of the sample, and the variation coefficient is high (>20%).

Keywords: Deformability, filtration, fluidity, red blood cells, viscometry

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1983-3405

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 393-407, 1983