Description and validation of a new, simple, easy-to handle, point-of-care technique for measuring erythrocyte aggregation kinetics

Erythrocyte aggregation (EA) is a physiological process by which erythrocytes reversibly stick together within the blood vessels. EA plays a major role in blood viscosity in vivo, thereby impacting blood flow to organs. EA is no doubt greatly important in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, but the studies its importance calls for are complicated by the lack of a reliable and easy way to measure it. We have developed a new point-of-care technique which can very specifically measure EA initial kinetics (EAK) in 20 s directly on blood samples routinely collected in tubes commonly used in clinical settings. We present the results of the validation studies of this EAK test: A mono-exponential curve explains 99% of EAK variance. EAK is normally distributed in healthy individuals, with an interindividual 15% coefficient of variation and is stable for least one hour after blood collection. Intraindividual coefficient of variation is 2.6%. EA can now be easily measured in any clinical setting.

Automated summary

Erythrocyte aggregation (EA) is a physiological process where red blood cells reversibly stick together in blood vessels, impacting blood flow. However, studying its importance is complicated due to the lack of a reliable measurement method. A new point-of-care technique has been developed to measure EA kinetics directly on routine blood samples. The validation studies show that EA can now be easily measured with high accuracy and stability.