Viscosity, Serum
Use
Viscosity is the property of fluids to resist flow. Hyperviscosity may be manifested by nasal bleeding, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, nystagmus, deafness, diplopia, ataxia, paresthesias, or congestive heart failure. The most common cause of serum hyperviscosity is the presence of large concentrations of IgM monoclonal proteins, and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia accounts for 80% to 90% of hyperviscosity cases. Hyperviscosity syndrome can also occur in multiple myeloma patients. Serum viscosity and electrophoresis are recommended before and after plasmapheresis to correlate viscosity and M-spike with patient symptoms.
Special Instructions
This test is not useful for patients with small concentrations of monoclonal proteins. Failure to follow specimen handling instructions may cause false-low results. Hyperviscosity syndrome may not be present even if the viscosity is greater than 3 centipoises.
Limitations
Although viscosities greater than 1.5 centipoises are abnormal, hyperviscosity is rarely present unless the viscosity is greater than 3 cP. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3128-6
- 3128-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
2.0 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Use a warm pack or heat block to keep specimen at 37 degrees C until after centrifugation. Centrifuge at 37 degrees C and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |