Dielectric Properties of the Human Red Blood Cell

The dielectric properties of the erythrocyte were studied. Experimental methods and results of measuring the dielectric properties of individual human erythrocyte are presented. The method is theoretically justified. It is found that values of the complex permittivity of the erythrocyte, electrical capacitance, dielectric loss tangent remain almost constant despite significant changes in conductivity and the content of NaCl in the cell suspension. These values reflect the stability of the studied parameters of erythrocytes under conditions of changes within a wide range of the environment in which the cells are located. Complex cell permittivity and cell dielectric loss tangent are promising parameters for objective diagnostics of human diseases. The introduction of measurements of cell permittivity and cell dielectric loss tangent into medical practice will likely allow us to characterize the process of individual cell self-regulation in more detail.