Measurement of Plasma Viscosity by Capillary Viscometer (CAT#: STEM-PPA-0003-YJL)

Introduction

Tissue damage induces a local inflammatory response that in turn stimulates, through interleukin and other mediators, an increase in hepatic synthesis of several acute phase proteins. Quantitative assay of these acute phase proteins in serum is useful for diagnosing and monitoring an inflammatory response. The more complex hyperproteinaemia of the later stages of inflammation (> 24 hours) should be measured by tests such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and plasma viscosity, which are sensitive to the combined effect of multiple proteins.
Measurement of plasma viscosity has several advantages over measurement of ESR. These include independence from the effects of anaemia, polycythaemia, and erythrocyte deformability; a reference range that is independent of sex and less dependent on age; a shorter assay time; the facility to store plasma for subsequent assay; and the potential for calibration, quality control, and automation.