Erythrocyte structure and dynamics quantified by Hilbert phase microscopy

We present a new quantitative method for investigating red blood cell morphology and dynamics. The instrument integrates quantitative phase microscopy with an inverted microscope, which makes it particularly suitable for the noninvasive assessment of live erythrocytes. In particular, we demonstrate the ability of this approach to quantify noninvasively cell volume and dynamic morphology. The subnanometer path-length sensitivity at the millisecond time scales is exemplified by measuring the hemoglobin flow out of the cell during hemolysis. (C) 2005 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.