Plasma Viscosity

Description: 
Plasma viscosity estimation is a reflection of changes in plasma proteins within the blood. The values from normal subjects are within a narrowly defined range and change when protein fractions are altered. The major influence on plasma viscosity is exerted by fibrinogen and immunoglobulins. The Viscometer determines viscosity by measuring the resistance of the plasma flow through a capillary under a constant vacuum.

Viscosity is increased in Myeloma, Macroglobulinaemia and Autoimmune conditions.
Related condition or disease: 
Myeloma, Macroglobulinaemia, Autoimmune conditions.
Reference range: 

1.50 - 1.72

Units: 
mPa @ 25°C
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Whole Blood collected in EDTA bottle. (Purple Top)
Plasma. (separated from EDTA bottle)

1.5mL;
1.0mL for paediatric samples.
Turnaround time: 
Routine: 3 days; Urgent: 1 day.
Special sample instructions: 

Interfering factors:

  • Haemolysis;
  • Insufficient volume;
  • Aged sample;
  • Clotted sample;

Please note that the laboratory may be unable to provide results whenever any of these factors interfere with the technical validity of the results; Report will be issued with an appropriate comment.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Keep at room temperature; Do not expose to extreme temperatures; Sample stability: samples must arrive to the laboratory and be processed within 24h post collection. Samples from external sources: EDTA sample must be centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3,500 rpm and plasma separated within 24 hours of collection. Plasma samples have 7 day validity.
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Routine hours: bleep 1358
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621

Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

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Last updated: 13/08/2021