Viscosity, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR98649Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0020056CPT Code 85810

Also known as: VIS-S

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

The Viscosity, Serum test is used to evaluate hyperviscosity syndrome, which is often linked with disorders such as polycythemia, macroglobulinemia, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. It is crucial in the diagnosis and management of patients with these conditions, as increased serum viscosity can lead to clinical symptoms associated with hyperviscosity syndrome. Significantly elevated viscosity (>3.0 cP) is particularly associated with clinical manifestations of this syndrome, including neurological and circulatory complications.

Special Instructions

This test requires serum collected in a serum separator or plain red tube. The serum should then be transferred to an ARUP standard transport tube for analysis. Control for specious conditions is important as clotted specimens are unsuitable for this test.

Limitations

The Viscosity, Serum test is limited by the conditions under which the serum is collected and stored. Clotted specimens are rejected, which emphasizes the need for proper handling and preparation. Additionally, this test does not diagnose the underlying cause of increased viscosity but is used as part of a broader diagnostic work-up for conditions associated with hyperviscosity. Changes in viscosity are not solely indicative of any single disease and should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and other diagnostic results.

Test Details

New York Approved