RBC filterability in β Thalassaemia

Abstract

Red blood cell deformability in 21 subjects exhibiting minor β Thalassaemia and in one subject exhibiting an intermediate β Thalassaemia were studied with the Hemorheometer SPO 1, utilizing a new standardized technique. The results obtained indicate that RBC deformability is diminished in most cases, partially confirming previously results found by authors utilizing another technique.

The significance of such a diminution is discussed. The effect of oxygenation by tonometry of some thalassemic erythrocyte suspensions are also presented and discussed.

Key Words:

• erythrocytes
• haemoglobin
• pathology
• tonometry