JFET_V6_N2_RP2 Karim Salehpoor Joseph Genin James A. Smoake Journal on Future Engineering and Technology 2230 – 7184 6 2 10 19 Flow-induced Hemolysis, Entrance Length, Solid-like Flow, Membrane Oxygenators, Dialyzers, Artificial Lungs, Catheters, Needles, Hollow Fibers Flow-induced hemolysis is the rupture of red blood cells which occurs in blood flow devices. Examples of such devices include blood oxygenators or artificial lungs and dialyzers. In addition to hemolysis, blood coagulation is also associated with the use of blood oxygenators and dialyzers. Blood coagulation increases the risk of heart attack and stroke while flow-induced hemolysis imposes a limitation on how long a blood oxygenator or a dialyzer can be used by a patient. The objective of this study was to examine if a solid-like flow through the entrance length of a tube could minimize shear stress acting on the red blood cells, thus minimize hemolysis in the tube. Blood circulation experiments were conducted to determine the effect of the ratio of tube length to entrance length on flow-induced hemolysis in the tube. Blood samples were taken at different time intervals and tested for hematocrits and concentration of hemoglobin in plasma. Comparison of the results indicated a decrease in flow-induced hemolysis in the tube with a decrease in the ratio of the tube length to entrance length. November 2010 - January 2011 Copyright © 2011 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1321