Use of digital cross-correlation for on-line determination of single-vessel blood flow in the mammalian kidney

Microvasc Res. 1985 Jul;30(1):63-74. doi: 10.1016/0026-2862(85)90038-x.

Abstract

The empirical relationship between erythrocyte velocity (Vrbc) and mean blood velocity (Vblood) was studied in quartz capillaries by television microscopy using the dual-slit technique. A newly designed desktop digital on-line cross-correlator was combined with a computer to determine Vrbc. The accuracy of the digital correlator was tested for velocities ranging from 0 to 3 mm/sec and compared with values determined using an analog tracking correlation device. There was good agreement. Small-bore glass tubes with diameters ranging from 12 to 26 micron were perfused with suspensions of erythrocytes having hematocrits between 10 and 37%. The relationship between mean blood velocity and erythrocyte velocity in these quartz tubes was found to be Vblood = 0.88 Vrbc - 0.11, and was independent of diameter and hematocrit within the range investigated. The mean ratio for Vrbc/Vblood was 1.42 +/- 0.06.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Capillaries
  • Computers
  • Equipment and Supplies
  • Erythrocytes / physiology
  • Humans
  • Methods
  • Renal Circulation*
  • Rheology