How can RBC aggregation assay done? Is it similar to Platlet Aggregometer!
Conventional blood typing IS an aggregation assay and can either be done macroscopically, microscopically or using commercial tools like a "gel" assay. red cells that are stuck together cannot travel through a bead mesh when centrifuged so stay in a layer on top of the gel whereas unassociated cells travel easily through the mesh.
Another alternative is sold phase adherance. For a nice recent review see, for example: Transfus Apher Sci. 2012 Jun;46(3):287-91. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2012.03.018. Epub 2012 Apr 3.
Solid Phase Red Cell Adherence Assay: a tubeless method for pretransfusion testing and other applications in transfusion science.
RBC aggregability refers to their ability to form multi-cellular aggregates, normally in a rouleaux shape, in the presence of plasma proteins or other macromolecules, especially fibrinogen. The aggregation extent is determined by opposing forces: the repulsive force between the negatively charged cells, the cell cell adhesion force induced by the presence of plasma proteins, and the disaggregating by flow-induced shear stress. Do not confuse aggregation with agglutination.
Simplest method for assessment of RBC aggregability is ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Fore more accurate measurements of RBC aggregability you need to use specific equipment (LORCA and etc).
We used cell-flow analyzer (CFA) for characterization of RBC aggregation (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10777743).
RBC Rouleaux formation or 'RBC aggregation' can be studied by performing the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Although ESR gives a measurement of the rate at which the RBCs sediment or settle down but in the process one could study the rouleaux formation.
The reference paper in the field is: Baskurt et al, New guidelines for hemorheological laboratory techniques.Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2009;42(2):75-97. doi: 10.3233/CH-2009-1202.
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