The present paper describes a new micro-channel array device capable of evaluating both behavior and dynamic characteristics of deformability of red blood cell (RBC), which has been developed by using a semiconductor fabrication technique. By using the fabricated micro channel, the temporal behavior and deformation of RBC was able to be observed more clearly than by using a conventional micro-channel. The visualization showed that three different kinds of deformation were observed, namely, an asymmetrical shape, a plane symmetrical shape and axisymmetrical shape. In the case of axisymmetrical deformation at a similar velocity in physiological flow, it was found that the RBC did not deform in the whole body but only locally in the backward sides of the cells. The RBC was able to pass through the micro channel of about 3 μm both in height and width. The result of deformability measurement showed that the deformability of RBC had clearly decreased with day lapsed from blood drawing.

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