Light-transmission aggregometer using a vibration-induced disaggregation mechanism Available to Purchase

The vibration-induced disaggregation technique of red blood cell (RBC) aggregates has been applied to design a new light-transmission aggregometer for measurement of aggregation index. For disaggregation of RBCs, the rotational shear flow in the Couette system is replaced with a simple low-frequency vibration in a disposable cavity slide glass. Using a vibration generator, one can disaggregate the RBC aggregates stored in the cavity slide glass. After applying the vibration for a specified duration, RBCs tend to reaggregate and instantaneous light-transmittance intensity is measured over time. A syllectogram (the transmitted light intensity versus time) consists of an initial decrease caused by the vibration-induced disaggregation, immediately followed by an increase in the light intensity due to RBC aggregation. The indices of aggregation are determined from the syllectogram using a curve-fitting program. The noble feature of this design is the vibration-induced disaggregation mechanism, which enables to incorporate disposable element that holds the blood sample.