Affordable red cell rheometer.

The goal is to incorporate red cell deformability measurements to the routine clinical lab. 

 Claudio Pairoba*

The new device was presented at INNOVAR, the argentine science and technology exhibition (Photo credits: Pagina12 and leclinic.wordpress.com)

Researchers at the National University of Rosario have developed a portable and easy-to-operate red cell rheometer for clinical laboratories.

The interdisciplinary group lead by Dr. Bibiana Riquelme (head of the Biology-applied Optics Group, Rosario Institute of Physics) showed the new equipment at INNOVAR, the technological innovation fair included as part of the Tecnopolis exhibition.

Normal red cells require deformable membranes in order to freely move through tiny vessels. This deformability is compromised as a result of a variety of diseases, such as anemia, diabetes, high-blood pressure and certain addictions. Under these conditions, red cells either get stuck in small blood vessels or are simply destroyed due to lack of membrane elasticity. Due to these facts, deformability studies are useful as diagnostic tools and to monitor disease treatment and evolution.

“Our idea is for this equipment to be used in a conventional biochemical laboratory, that is why we aimed at designing a compact, low-cost and easy-to-operate device, built with parts affordable in our country, which makes it easy to repair and update”, said Riquelme.

The group includes students from the School of Electronic Engineering led by engineers Angel Olivero y Aldo Marenzana, who were in charge of the device electronics. Riquelme and undergrad student Brenda Albea (Department of Biotechnology, School of Biochemical Sciences and Pharmacy) designed the prototype. Other participants included Dr. Horacio Castellini who developed the analytical software and members from the Rosario Institute of Physics.

* Science Communication Division – Office of Science and Technology – National University of Rosario (secty.unr.edu.ar)

Sources:

1. http://unr.edu.ar/noticia/5675/tecnopolis-exposicion-del-reometro-eritrocitario-en-innovar-2012

2. http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/suplementos/rosario/9-36380-2012-11-10.html