Laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer measurements reveal early changes in human RBC deformability induced by photodynamic treatment.

Background: The ability to deform is important for circulating RBCs in vivo, and earlier studies showed that this property can objectively be measured in vitro by the LORCA. In this study it was investigated whether photodynamic treatment of human RBCs (meant to inactivate contaminating pathogens) affects deformability.

Study Design And Methods: WBC-reduced RBC suspensions (30% Hct) were treated with 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) and red light.