Viscosity, Whole Blood

Interpretation

Guidelines

• Specialty Testing in Immunology

Method

Laboratory developed method to measure the viscosity of serum, plasma, fluid or whole blood samples using a dynamic viscometer (Sonoclot II Surgical Analyzer).

Reference Range

See individual components

Ref. Range Notes

Hematocrit (%)	Reference range
10 - 29	2.2 - 5.1
30 - 39	2.9 - 6.5
40 - 49	3.6 - 8.0
50 - 59	5.8 - 13.0

Interferences and Limitations

Samples with cryoglobulins may have a falsely depressed result if the sample has not been processed as a cryoglobulin.

References

Chandler WL and Schmer G, Evaluation of a new dynamic viscometer for measuring the viscosity of whole blood and plasma, Clin Chem (1986) 32:505.

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Collection

5 mL blood in LAVENDER TOP tube. If Clinician suspects Cryoprecipitate, contact Immunology lab 206 598-6149 for special handling instruction

Handling Instructions

Whole blood sample is labile, send to lab ASAP.

Note: Test must be performed within 24 hours of draw time. Fridays: blood must be received by 1pm. Call Immunology Lab at 206-598-6149. If sample is delayed in getting to the lab, request can be changed to a plasma viscosity (PLVISG).

Whole blood must be centrifuged and plasma aliquoted if order is changed.

Quantity

Requested: entire specimen
Minimum: 0.5 mL whole blood

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Refrigerate whole blood or plasma if the order is changed.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department

Immunology(IMM)

Frequency

Monday-Friday (not available on weekends or holidays without LM Resident approval.)

Available STAT?

No

Performing Location(s)

UW-MT	Immunology 206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room NW220, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific street, Seattle, WA 98195

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes

85810

LOINC

4690-4

Interfaced Order Code

WBVIS