Blood viscosity measurements are performed using the Hemathix SCV-200 automated scanning capillary tube viscometer, which is capable of measuring viscosity over the complete range of physiologic values experienced in a cardiac cycle (10,000 shear rates) with a single continuous measurement.

This methodology represents a breakthrough in blood viscosity testing that provides a complete picture of blood viscosity changes in each patient. This allows the physician to make significant treatment decisions toward improving the patient’s quality of life and health outcome.

Meridian Valley Lab is proud to be the only laboratory in North America offering this state-of-the-art testing for blood viscosity.

Specimen Collection
The blood viscosity test requires 3 tubes of 3-4 cc of EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood, which is collected at your office, clinical site or facility, and shipped priority-overnight to our laboratory. Use standard lavender vacutainers and gently invert them at least 4 times to ensure thorough mixing. Specimens must be refrigerated at 2-8°C and tested within 4 days of collection; frozen samples are not acceptable.

Blood Viscosity Report
The blood viscosity test report includes a CBC and scores for both systolic and diastolic blood viscosity. Systolic viscosity represents the thickness of blood and is affected by the patient’s hematocrit as well as the deformability of red blood cells and the concentration of plasma proteins (plasma viscosity). Diastolic viscosity represents the stickiness of blood and is affected by the aggregation of red blood cells, inflammatory factors, and the concentration of fibrinogen and immunoglobulins.