erythrocyte deformability

Erythrocyte deformability is altered under various pathophysiological conditions.

Sickle-cell disease is characterized by extensive impairment in erythrocyte deformability, being dependent on the oxygen partial pressure.

Red blood cells have unique mechanical behavior, which can be discussed under the terms "erythrocyte deformability" and "erythrocyte aggregation".

Erythrocyte deformability is an important determinant of blood viscosity, hence blood flow resistance in the vascular system.

Erythrocyte deformability has also been demonstrated to be impaired in diabetes, peripheral vascular diseases, sepsis and a variety of other diseases.

Erythrocytes/RBC may also be tested for other (related) membrane properties, including erythrocyte deformability and cell morphology.

Erythrocyte deformability refers to the ability of erythrocytes (red blood cells, RBC) to change shape under a given level of applied stress, without hemolysing (rupturing).

In general, there are not yet any in vitro tests to assess quality deterioration or preservation for specific units of RBC blood product prior to their transfusion, though there is exploration of potentially relevant tests based on RBC membrane properties such as erythrocyte deformability and erythrocyte fragility (mechanical).