Erythrocyte hemolysis by radiofrequency fields.

Abstract

A field-strength-dependent hemolytic effect of continuous-wave radiofrequency (RF) exposure in vitro has been demonstrated. Erythrocytes in whole heparinized rabbit blood were hemolyzed by a 2-h exposure to 50- or 100-MHz RF fields at field strengths of greater than 4 V/cm. An effect of comparable magnitude resulted from exposure to 10-MHz RF at a field strength of 9 V/cm. Sample temperatures were maintained at 22.5 degrees +/- 0.2 degrees C. There was no apparent involvement of heating or temperature gradients, nor were there any RF exposure effects on cellular K+ or Na+ concentration, nor on pH. The mechanism of the hemolytic effect is not known. Since the percentage of lysed erythrocytes was less than 1% and there was an absence of effects on cellular cation concentrations, RF radiation may have irreversibly altered the plasma membrane permeability of a sensitive subpopulation of red cells (possibly aged cells) leading to osmotic lysis. RF radiation at these frequencies appears to affect red cells in a manner that is qualitatively and quantitatively different from microwave radiation.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In vitro, erythrocytes in whole heparinized rabbit blood showed a field-strength-dependent hemolytic effect after 2 h continuous-wave RF exposure. Hemolysis occurred at 50 or 100 MHz at field strengths >4 V/cm, and at 10 MHz at 9 V/cm, with sample temperature maintained at 22.5 ± 0.2 °C and no apparent involvement of heating; no RF effects were observed on cellular K+ or Na+ concentrations or on pH.

Outcomes measured

• Erythrocyte hemolysis (percent lysed cells)
• Cellular K+ concentration
• Cellular Na+ concentration
• pH
• Sample temperature/heating involvement

Limitations

• In vitro study in rabbit blood; generalizability to in vivo or humans not established in abstract
• Sample size not reported in abstract
• Hemolysis magnitude was <1% of erythrocytes
• Mechanism not known

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "2 h continuous-wave exposure"
    },
    "population": "Erythrocytes in whole heparinized rabbit blood (in vitro)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Erythrocyte hemolysis (percent lysed cells)",
        "Cellular K+ concentration",
        "Cellular Na+ concentration",
        "pH",
        "Sample temperature/heating involvement"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In vitro, erythrocytes in whole heparinized rabbit blood showed a field-strength-dependent hemolytic effect after 2 h continuous-wave RF exposure. Hemolysis occurred at 50 or 100 MHz at field strengths >4 V/cm, and at 10 MHz at 9 V/cm, with sample temperature maintained at 22.5 ± 0.2 °C and no apparent involvement of heating; no RF effects were observed on cellular K+ or Na+ concentrations or on pH.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro study in rabbit blood; generalizability to in vivo or humans not established in abstract",
        "Sample size not reported in abstract",
        "Hemolysis magnitude was <1% of erythrocytes",
        "Mechanism not known"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency",
        "RF",
        "continuous-wave",
        "in vitro",
        "rabbit blood",
        "erythrocytes",
        "hemolysis",
        "field strength",
        "10 MHz",
        "50 MHz",
        "100 MHz",
        "membrane permeability",
        "non-thermal"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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