Dielectric properties of blood: an investigation of haematocrit dependence.

We have investigated the haematocrit dependence of the electrical parameters (relative permittivity and conductivity) of blood. The measuring set-up, composed of an impedancemeter (HP 4291 A), an open-ended coaxial line and a temperature controlling set, was designed for dielectric measurements in the 1 MHz to 1 GHz frequency range. Measurements were performed on ex vivo animal (cow and sheep) blood at 37 degrees C. The two dielectric parameters appeared to be strongly dependent on the haematocrit. The permittivity versus frequency decreases then increases when the haematocrit decreases. The conductivity increases in the whole frequency range when the haematocrit decreases. Due to the lack of comparative data on the frequency range explored, we compare the dielectric profiles with those deduced from the Maxwell-Fricke theoretical model.