Abstract: | An integral viscosity determination (Q) is proposed for whole blood (QB) and plasma (Qp). The integral viscosity determination was carried out at four shear rates in a Brookfield LTV Viscometer and calculation were obtained by means of a modification of Casson's mathematical model. Polycythemic and paraproteinemic patients resulted to be well differentiated from normals. The ratio QB/Qp represent a continuous sum of relative viscosities and may also supply information on erythrocytes deformability. Integral viscosity determinations are indicated for research purposes and for examining special cases. |