Viscosity is measured with an automated viscometer that uses vacuum pressure to draw serum through a capillary.Reference value is < or = 1.5 centipoises. Correlation of serum viscosity with the paraprotein level measured by serum electrophoresis is useful in anticipating the need for repeat plasmapheresis. Measurement of serum viscosity is helpful in determining the need for plasmapheresis. Viscosity should be measured in patients with IgM concentration > 4 g/dL, IgA >5 g/dL, and IgG >6 g/dL. Hyperviscosity can also occur in patients with multiple myeloma with high concentrations of IgA or IgG monoclonal proteins. The most common cause of hyperviscosity is Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia which produces high concentrations of IgM monoclonal proteins. The viscosity of serum from a healthy person is 3 cP. Serum viscosity can be directly measured and compared to the viscosity of water. The viscosity of water at 20 degrees Centigrade is 1.0 centipoise (cP). Viscosity is the property of fluids to resist flow.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |