The deformability of hypothermically stored red blood cells

• Author / Creator

  Stadnick, Hart Peter Argyle

• Transfusion medicine is dependent upon the ability to hypothermically preserve red blood cell (RBC) function ex vivo. Recent evidence suggests that the deformability of hypothermically stored RBCs may be compromised, potentially leading to microvasculature occlusion and tissue hypoxia in transfused patients. The main objectives of this thesis were to develop an ektacytometric technique suitable for detecting RBC deformability changes, establish whether deficits in RBC deformability due to hypothermic storage are occurring, and investigate liposomes as a biopreservation tool to modify the function of RBC membranes. This thesis demonstrates that hypothermic storage leads to RBC deformability impairments which can be detected by ektacytometry. In addition, this thesis has shown that the membrane characteristics and deformability of hypothermically stored RBCs can be differentially modified by treatment with liposomes of varying chemical composition. Through these investigations, this thesis has contributed to the advancement of the fields of transfusion medicine and biopreservation science.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Deformability
  • Blood

• Graduation date

  Spring 2011

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R35627

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.