Optimization and automation of erythrocytes sedimentation rate measurement

As a micromethod of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) determination one can use the method developed at Tomsk Polytechnic University for photometry of the investigated liquid sample having the shape of drop placed on a clear hydrophobic substrate. The method suggested for the ESR estimation is based on the features of the cells sedimentation process inside of the sample formed as the drop. Since, due to the adsorption of the part of the cells in the surface spherical boundary layer blood/air followed by their "draining" to the ends of the sample base under gravity, an increase of the cells concentration occurs over the sample base perimeter. In its central part the blooming of the medium is observed. Moreover, the aggregation of the settling cells result in decreasing the internal energy of the sample, reducing its surface tension and drop flattering correspondently, that also increases its transparency As the change of the sample transparency is in direct relation to the cells sedimentation process, the change of the light flow intensity during settling is the desired criterion characterizing the given process. The process of the cells sedimentation in drop sample ends in 15-20 min. In this case the value of the photoflow registered changes (according to the cells sedimentation rate) by a factor of 1.2-2.5. Based on the experimental results one can conclude that the use of the given method for the ESR index registration is very promising.