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E-Thesis 146 views

Challenges in optical micro-rheometry for blood clot detection / LAURA O'DEA

Swansea University Author: LAURA O'DEA

  • E-Thesis under embargo until: 15th May 2028

DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.64089

Abstract

The need for rapid, cheap and accessible method to accurately quantify the rheological state of a clotting sample of blood has been highlighted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Such a device would be significant for use for theranostic application in trauma care and warfarin clinics. Extensive resea...

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Published: Swansea, Wales, UK 2023
Institution: Swansea University
Degree level: Doctoral
Degree name: Ph.D
Supervisor: Curtis, Daniel.
URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64089
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Abstract: The need for rapid, cheap and accessible method to accurately quantify the rheological state of a clotting sample of blood has been highlighted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Such a device would be significant for use for theranostic application in trauma care and warfarin clinics. Extensive research based on conventional rheometric approaches have established the Gel Point (GP) as a biometric for healthy coagulation. Translation of these conventional techniques to the clinical environment however, is challenging and an alternative rheometrical assay that is more amenable to deployment in a clinical setting is required. Presented here, for the first time, is a desktop, point-of-care light scattering technique capable of identifying the GP in a sample undergoing gelation. This is done using standard Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy techniques, with the method extended to gelatin samples with decreased scatterer concentration to mimic scattering properties of biological samples such as blood, using modified Laser Speckle Rheology methods.
Keywords: Gel point, clot detection, laser speckle rheometry, diffusing wave spectroscopy
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering