A novel investigation of magnetic field effects on the sedimentation of erythrocytes with the series piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor

A series piezoelectric quartz crystal sensor was employed to monitor the se dimentation of erythrocytes outside or under a magnetic field. High sensiti ve frequency shifts were obtained in the range where the hematocrit was ver y small. The effects of magnetic fields on the sedimentation of erythrocyte s containing deoxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin, or erythrocytes suspended in D gamma [EDTA](-) diluent were measured by the relative differential of fr equency shifts. They were found to be markedly dependent upon the magnetic field strength and the paramagnetic susceptibility of erythrocytes, which c ould be predicted by the theoretical discussion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.