RoxyScan:

Ability to deform under oxidant and shear stress

Transport of oxygen comes at a cost. The RBC is exposed to oxygen radical species (ROS) during its life in the circulation. To deal with ROS,  the RBC uses an elaborate system of antioxidants and enzymes to neutralize attack and repair damage to proteins and lipids. The lack de novo generation of proteins and lipids, combined the damage to the antioxidant and repair systems, will decrease the ability to deform and reduces the lifespan of the RBC.  

Measuring the decrease in EI under shear and oxidant stress in time reports on the overall ability of the cell to deal with ROS. The decline in EI depends on the cell, type and concentration of the oxidant. The figure shows an example of blood from a sickle cell patient and normal control exposed to tBOOH under a 30Pa shear stress. The ability to deal with oxidant stress under shear is reduced and the goal of any clinical intervention is a move towards normal.

Recent paper in Nature: The RoxyScan is a novelmeasurement of red blood celldeformability under oxidativeand shear stress