Research Factors

• Hematocrit
• White Blood Cells
• Hemodynamic Resistance
• Shear Rate
• Red Cell Aggregation
• Blood Cell Deformability

Microcirculation Factor: Red Cell Aggregation

As shear rates are reduced, red cell aggregate and tend to obstruct the capillary entrance. With weak aggregation, red cells form rouleaux, which look like stacks of coins. As the strength of aggregation is increased, red cell clumps are formed which are more difficult to disrupt at the entrance to capillaries.

Red cell rouleaux are formed as shear rates are reduced and RBCs aggregate. They become jammed at the capillary entrance slowly break apart with time.

With increased strength of aggregation, clumps of RBCs are formed which lodge at the capillary entrance. They are more difficult to remove and may block the capillary permanently.