Study of erythrocyte sedimentation in human blood through the photoacoustic signals analysis

Photoacoustics. 2024 Mar 2:37:100599. doi: 10.1016/j.pacs.2024.100599. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we utilized the pulsed photoacoustic (PA) technique to analyze globular sedimentation in whole human blood, with a focus on distinguishing between healthy individuals and those with hemolytic anemia.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from both healthy individuals (women and men) and those with hemolytic anemia, and temporal and spectral parameters of PA signals were employed for analysis.

Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in PA metrics between the two groups. The proposed spectral analysis allowed significant differentiation within a 25-minute measurement window. Anemic blood samples exhibited higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values, indicating increased erythrocyte aggregation.

Discussion: This study underscores the potential of PA signal analysis in ESR assessment as an efficient method for distinguishing between healthy and anemic blood, surpassing traditional approaches. It represents a promising contribution to the development of precise and sensitive techniques for analyzing human blood samples in clinical settings.

Keywords: Aggregation; Anemia; Erythrocyte sedimentation; Pulsed photoacoustic; Speed of sound; Whole human blood.