title: Compact NMR relaxometry of human blood and blood components.
abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry is a uniquely practical and versatile implementation of NMR technology. Because it does not depend on chemical shift resolution, it can be performed using low-field compact instruments deployed in atypical settings. Early relaxometry studies of human blood were focused on developing a diagnostic test for cancer. Those efforts were misplaced, as the measurements were not specific to cancer. However, important lessons were learned about the factors that drive the water longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times. One key factor is the overall distribution of proteins and lipoproteins. Plasma water T2can detect shifts in the blood proteome resulting from inflammation, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. In whole blood, T2is sensitive to hemoglobin content and oxygenation, although the latter can be suppressed by manipulating the static and applied magnetic fields. Current applications of compact NMR relaxometry include blood tests for candidiasis, hemostasis, malaria and insulin resistance.
authors.affiliation: Nanoparticle Diagnostics Laboratory, Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA; Departments of Clinical Laboratory Science and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Allied Health Sciences and Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA.
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Cistola
authors.affiliation: Nanoparticle Diagnostics Laboratory, Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA; Departments of Clinical Laboratory Science and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Allied Health Sciences and Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Robinson
keywords: Blood cells; Candidiasis; Hemostasis; Insulin resistance; Malaria; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Plasma; Relaxation times; Relaxometry; Serum; T1 and T2