Quantitative Measurement of the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Based on Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy With Modified HANAI Theory and the Multi-Frequency Parameter Xc

Conventional erythrocyte sedimentation measurements are time consuming, and still having difficulties to obtain intermediate status. In this study, the modified HANAI theory and multi-frequency parameters are proposed to quantitatively monitor the erythrocyte sedimentation based on electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Different with previous studies, the multi-frequency parameter and T-shape container are utilized and analyzed. Results exhibit that the impedance of blood is greatly influenced by erythrocyte sedimentation, and the EIS measurement for erythrocyte sedimentation with the T-shape type container is a good linear relationship of the multi-frequency parameter reactance X-c and the sedimentation ratio R-se compared with the parallel-shape type container. The linear relationship could be expressed as X-c = -0.110R(se)-1.347 with a correlation coefficient of R-2 = 0.963. Additionally, the top point reactance X-c is found to keep a great linear relationship with plasma height h in standard Westergren tube as X-c = -0.646h-1.996 with an excellent R-2 = 0.967. FEM and modified HANAI calculations suggest that, the hematocrit (HCT) is responsible for the linear relationship. This study adopts a new structure detection method for the real-time monitoring of erythrocyte sedimentation with smaller sample volume, less manual manipulations and automation, which has certain scientific research and application value.

Automated summary

This study proposes a method to monitor erythrocyte sedimentation using electrical impedance spectroscopy, with analysis of multi-frequency parameters and T-shape container. Results show a significant influence of erythrocyte sedimentation on blood impedance, and a good linear relationship between the multi-frequency parameter X-c and sedimentation ratio R-se. The research has scientific and practical value in real-time monitoring of erythrocyte sedimentation with smaller sample volume and automation.