Test Overview
Brookfield Cone/Plate Viscometer
Detection of hyperviscosity states in myeloma, macroglobulinemia, polycythemia and other abnormalities of formed blood elements.
Plasma Viscosity: 1.35 - 1.85 cP.
* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.
Blood viscosity varies directly according to the composition of blood, i.e., hematocrit and protein.
Test Details
8 hours
- Whole Blood Viscosity, Plasma Viscosity
Specimen Requirements
Collect blood in a 7 mL green top tube. Refrigerate and send intact specimen. Specimen may be stored refrigerated for up to 4 days.
None
7 mL whole blood
7 mL whole blood
Additional Information
Test includes directly measured plasma viscosity. Most patients do not become symptomatic until the plasma viscosity exceeds 4.0 cP. Usually, a given patient's symptoms will reproducibly appear at a given viscosity, although this will vary from patient to patient.
Plasma viscosity is measured using a Brookfield cone-plate (rotary) viscometer. Samples are warmed to 37 degrees in order to recapitulate core body temperature. The torque necessary to overcome the viscous resistance of plasma is measured in centipoise (cP).