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Thromb Haemost 1980; 43(03): 198-202
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1650051
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

The Optical Detection of Platelets in Plasma

Vincent J McCabe
The Departments of Mechanical Engineering, and Pathology, University College, Dublin, Ireland
,
Noel Clarke
The Departments of Mechanical Engineering, and Pathology, University College, Dublin, Ireland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 07 December 1979

Accepted 02 June 1980

Publication Date:
13 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

The attenuation of a light beam by a suspension of platelets in plasma was examined theoretically and experiments were performed to confirm this analysis. Interfering and modifying inputs were identified and their effects quantified. Recommendations for instrument design are made which minimise the effects of spurious inputs and enable platelet concentration in plasma to be estimated by simple optical methods. The most important recommendations are: (i) the use of light in the range 850–1000 nm so that water may be used instead of isologous platelet-free plasma as a blank and (ii) the emphasis on the need for the calibration of the system and the necessity for re-calibration if the optical system is disturbed or adjusted.

Keywords

Platelet (thrombocyte) concentration, plasma - Attenuation of light, plasma turbidity, light scatter - Wavelength, infrared - Optical density, error analysis
 

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