Instrumental analysis applied to erythrocyte properties

The properties, structure and functions of the erythrocyte or red blood cell (RBC) have been known and evaluated by using simpler to more sophisticated technical devices. Microscopy, flow cytometry, spectrometry, spectroflurometry, aggregometer, ektacytometer zeta potential, amperometry, electrophoresis and centrifugation, are apparatus used to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize RBC, based on the principles of light transmission, light scattering spectroscopy, light absorption, fluorescence, light polarization, shear stress, shear rate, charge and molecular weight gradients. There is a symbiosis between the chemical, the physical and the mechanical principles of those instrumental analysis and the RBC properties to be measured. Here we briefly exemplify the relationship between the biochemical, biophysical and mechanical based techniques and the properties of the erythrocyte in healthy and disease.