Analysis of Haemorheological Variables—Methodology and Reference Values

Abstract

Routine methods are proposed for the analysis of haemorheologic variables with only one instrument, a Low Shear 30 rotational couette viscometer. The variables are plasma viscosity, whole blood apparent viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation tendency and erythrocyte fluidity.

These variables, in addition to erythrocyte volume fraction, were analysed in a population of 83 healthy hospital staff subjects.

The following means and standard deviations were found: Erythrocyte volume fraction, women 42±3 %, men 46±2 %; Plasma viscosity 1.31±0.07 mPa-s; Whole blood apparent viscosity, women 4.3±0.4 mPa-s, men 4.8±0.3 mPa-s; Erythrocyte aggregation tendency 1.00±0.10; Erythrocyte fluidity 122±10 Pa⁻¹.s⁻¹.