Lab Code : PVISC
Test Background Plasma viscosity is an indirect measure of the amount of protein present in plasma. It can reflect the degree of inflammation present in the body, and the presence of abnormal paraproteins, which can be made by benign or malignant tumours. It actually measures the force needed to send a fixed amount of plasma flowing along a thin tube in a given time, at a standard temperature.
Clinical Indications Diagnosis and monitoring of temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica Assessment and monitoring of high plasma viscosity states, eg. macroglobulinaemia
Reference Range 1.50-1.72 mPa.s
Sample Required 4 mL EDTA (lavender top)
Turnaround Time 3-5 days
Notes Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the University College London Hospital