Determination of reference intervals for atomic force microscopy parameters characterizing erythrocyte size

Introduction. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is the cutting-edge method for imaging of cells and subcellular structures, and it has wide application prospects in the laboratory diagnostics. For AFM effective using in practical medicine, it is necessary to determine the reference intervals (RI) for biological objects, particularly for erythrocytes (red blood cells). Aim. To determine the RI for AFM parameters characterizing erythrocyte size in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods . 32 blood donors aged 18–60 (22 males, 10 females) were enrolled into the study. All the participants have undergone light microscopy of a whole blood smear, clinical blood test, determination of the serum ferritin level, and AFM imaging of erythrocytes. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS, and parametrical criteria were used. RI were calculated according to the GOST (Russian State Standard) R 53022.3-2008. Results and Discussion. In all the participants, both all the parameters of clinical blood test and the ferritin serum level, were within their RI. According to light microscopy, in all the participants, erythrocytes were normocytes with unchanged form. So, investigated subjects showed their applicability to be used as the reference group for the determination of RI for AFM parameters characterizing erythrocyte size. We calculated RI and their confidential intervals for the following size parameters: minimal and maximal normocyte height, minimal and maximal normocyte diameter. Conclusion . Our results contribute to the development of AFM clinical methodology. Our results confirm the advisability of further investigations dedicated to the RI determination for AFM parameters characterizing erythrocyte size in increased samples of healthy subjects of different age groups.