Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF)

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive method for the continuous measurement of microvascular blood perfusion in a variety of tissue types. This doppler flowmetry technique estimates blood perfusion (blood flow) by illuminating a tissue sample with single-frequency light and processing the frequency distribution of the backscattered light.

Specifically for human studies, our single-channel Laser Doppler FlowMeter can be used with a specialized fiber optic probe to measure relative changes in skin perfusion in response to vasoactive drugs, or to record and measure non-invasive blood flow within a microvascular bed.

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Products and Solutions

Human certified<br>products

Human certified
products

Record multiple<br>signals at once

Record multiple
signals at once

Mix and match products for a custom solution

Mix and match products for a custom solution

Plug and play with total LabChart compatibility

Plug and play with total LabChart compatibility

Measure blood flow non-invasively in humans and record relative changes in skin perfusion with a PowerLab and the Laser Doppler Blood FlowMeter.

In conjunction with our solutions shown below, any device with an analog output (+/- 10V) can be connected to a PowerLab data acquisition system for synchronization of the event in LabChart, giving you even more flexibility and the ability to integrate your data streams in one place.

All our laser doppler flowmetry equipment recommended for human use is backed by the appropriate safety certification standards. More information on safety standards.

Related Components and Products

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PowerLab

Engineered for precise, consistent, reliable data acquisition of a wide range of physiological signals. PowerLab gives you the reproducible data you need while meeting the strictest international standards.&nbsp;

LabChart-9-Hero-Screen
LabChart
Creates a platform allowing you to acquire biological signals from multiple sources simultaneously and apply advanced calculations and plots.
Blood FlowMeter
Blood FlowMeter

Single channel laser Doppler flowmeter that can be used to measure blood cell perfusion in the microvasculature of tissues and organs. Supports both invasive and non-invasive disciplines with a range of probe types and formats).&nbsp;

Fine Needle Probe
Laser Doppler Needle Probes
Laser Doppler needle probes are designed for use with the Blood FlowMeter. They connect directly and are available in variety of

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Calibration Kit For Blood FlowMeter
Contains a positioning device to which the probe and cable can be attached, providing stability during calibration.

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Adhesive Rings For Probes (200)
Adhesive rings for securing laser Doppler surface probes to the subject.

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    High-impact publications using ADI products

    A programmable and self-adaptive ultrasonic wireless implant for personalized chronic pain management

    2025 · Yushun Zeng, Chen Gong, Gengxi Lu et al. · Nature Electronics
    Product LabChart Product PowerLab

    Chronic pain management typically involves opioids, which are associated with severe side effects such as addiction. Implantable percutaneous electrical stimulators are a promising alternative approach to pain management. However, they are expensive, can cause…

    DOI: 10.1038/s41928-025-01374-6

    More »
    Typical Studies
    Evaluation of vasoactive drugs on microcirculation
    Monitoring peripheral circulation
    Recording changes in skin blood flow
    Ischemia studies
    Tumor vascular research
    Peripheral vascular disease
    Non-invasive blood flow applications

    Signals

    Microvascular blood perfusion measured in relative units.

    Learn more »

    Flexible Data Acquisition

    ADInstruments systems provide an integrated solution to advance life science research. With the combination of LabChart analysis software and a PowerLab data acquisition unit, you have the flexibility to collect and synchronize a wide range of signals for analysis. We also offer a range of LabChart compatible solutions able to stream directly in LabChart.

    LabChart
    LabChart

    LabChart data analysis software creates a platform for all of your recording devices to work together, allowing you to acquire biological signals from multiple sources simultaneously and apply advanced calculations and plots as your experiment unfolds.

    PowerLab
    PowerLab

    High-performance data acquisition hardware designed for life science research. PowerLab is engineered for precise, consistent, reliable data acquisition, giving you the reproducible data you need while meeting the strictest international safety standards.

    PowerLab C
    PowerLab C

    A modular data acquisition foundation system that provides unparalleled flexibility for researchers looking to invest in customizable, reliable solutions for both now, and in the future.

    All your analysis in one place

    LabChart software is designed specifically for life science data and provides up to 64 channels for data display and analysis options that are powerful and easy to use. Auto-recognition of PowerLabs, PowerLab Sensors, and LabChart compatible hardware. With multi-window views, one-touch recording, simultaneous recording from multiple devices, specialized preconfigured settings, easy sharing options, and an interface that can be customized to show only the features you want to use.

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    Pro Tip Using the Backscatter Channel

    Features and Add-Ons

    Additional acquisition and analysis options to support your Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) analysis:

    The Blood FlowMeter Device Enabler allows the Blood FlowMeter (INL191) to stream data directly into LabChart.

    Learn more

    Use the LabChart Cyclic Measurements feature to study involuntary eye movement conditions such as nystagmus.

    How Laser Doppler Flowmetry Works

    Laser Doppler flowmetry uses the principle of the Doppler effect to measure tissue blood flow. When low-power laser light penetrates tissue, it scatters from both stationary structures and moving red blood cells. Light scattered from moving cells undergoes a frequency shift proportional to their velocity, while light from stationary tissue remains unchanged.

    The laser Doppler flowmeter detects this backscattered light and analyzes the frequency spectrum to calculate a perfusion index. This provides a relative measure of microvascular blood flow expressed in perfusion units (PU), representing the product of average blood cell velocity and concentration within the measurement volume.

    Key advantages of laser Doppler skin perfusion measurement include:

    • Real-time, continuous monitoring of microcirculation
    • Non-invasive technique suitable for human research
    • High temporal resolution for detecting rapid perfusion changes
    • Compatible with pharmacological and physiological interventions
    • Direct integration with PowerLab for synchronized multi-signal recording