Viscosity
 (Haematology)
Investigation : Viscosity
Turnaround : <7 days
This test is performed in a local hospital

This test is rarely necessary even in some cases of possible Hyperviscosity (some units use clinical symptoms to decide on plasma exchange) and given that CRP and ESR are in most cases suitable alternatives. Only patients with the following clinical details require plasma viscosity measurement:

  • Hyperviscosity
  • Myeloma
  • Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia
  • Vascular Disease
  • Claudication
  • Blurring of vision
  • Retinal Haemorrhage
  • Headache/Dizziness
  • Shortage of breath

    • All requests must be confirmed by Haematology consultant or the laboratory manager before sending away. In special cases, such as those from Vascular units, we have made arrangement with another local laboratory so that the tests can still be done.

    N.B. If sending with a FBC request, two 2.7ml EDTA tubes must be sent (1 for the FBC and 1 for the viscosity).

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