BLOOD SCIENCES


hyperviscosity syndrome results are characteristic and diagnostic abnormal results are reported earlier in the disease than other comparable markers a minor variation in PV and SV of 0.05 mPa.s is deemed to have clinical significance by using internationally accepted calibration standards clinical viscosity test results are universally comparable.


Conclusions


It is evident that the PV and SV are superior tests23


to detect infection,


inflammation, as well as for diagnosing and monitoring complex clinical disorders. The PV and SV tests are repeatable, reproducible, and reliable, providing an accurate reflection of in vivo conditions. It is clear that the PV:SV ratio has


extensive diagnostic and monitoring potential in many complex disease states, with particular relevance for chronic inflammatory conditions. In addition, it has been shown that


PS:SV ratio data delivers substantial clinical value by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, supporting patient management, measuring treatment efficacy and improving overall clinical outcomes.


References 1 North West London Pathology. Plasma


viscosity. (NWLP, 2025) www.nwlpathology. nhs.uk/test/plasma-viscosity


2


Kingsley J. Understanding Serum Viscosity Tests: Diagnosis & Health Insights. (The Kingsley Clinic, 2025) www.thekingsleyclinic. com/resources/understanding-serum- viscosity-tests-diagnosis-health-insights/


3 Forconi S, Gori T. The evolution of the meaning of blood hyperviscosity in cardiovascular physiopathology: should we reinterpret Poiseuille?. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2009;42(1):1-6. doi:10.3233/CH- 2009-1186


4 Harkness J. Measurement of Plasma Viscosity. In: Lowe GDO, Barbenel JC, Forbes CD, eds. Clinical Aspects of Blood Viscosity and Cell Deformability. Springer, 1981. doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-3105-2_8


5 Benson Clinical Viscometers. Viscometry Products & Services. (Benson, 2025) www.bensonviscometers.com/viscometry- products-services/


6 Fahey JL, Barth WF, Solomon A. Serum Hyperviscosity Syndrome. JAMA. 1965;192:464-467. doi:10.1001/ jama.1965.03080190030008


7 Laboratory Info. Difference between Serum and Plasma. (Laboratory Info, 2022) www.laboratoryinfo.com/serum-vs-plasma/


8 Lab Tests Guide. EDTA Anticoagulants. (LTG, 2024) www.labtestsguide.com/edta- anticoagulant


Clinical viscometers can measure the viscosity of human biological fluids: blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood and synovial fluid and will test directly from primary blood sample tubes.


PPi


9 Harkness J. The viscosity of human blood plasma; its measurement in health and disease. Biorheology. 1971;8(3):171-193. doi:10.3233/bir-1971-83-408


11 Shearn MA, Epstein WV, Engleman EP, Taylor WF. Relationship of serum proteins and rheumatoid factor to serum viscosity in rheumatic diseases. J Lab Clin Med. 1963;61:677-686.


11 Lawrence JS. Assessment of the Activity of Disease. London: HK Lewis, 1961


12 Rosenson RS, McCormick A, Uretz EF. Distribution of blood viscosity values and biochemical correlates in healthy adults. Clin Chem. 1996;42(8 Pt 1):1189-1195.


13 Lowe GD. Blood rheology in vitro and in vivo. Baillieres Clin Haematol. 1987;1(3):597- 636. doi:10.1016/s0950-3536(87)80018-5


14 Tan S. Guidance on Plasma Viscosity (PV). (NHS Tayside, 2019) www.nhstaysidecdn. scot.nhs.uk/NHSTaysideWeb/ idcplg?IdcService=GET_SECURE_FILE& Rendition=web&RevisionSelectionMethod= LatestReleased&noSaveAs=1&dDocName= prod_342415


15 The Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Plasma Viscosity (PV). (LTH NHSFT, 2024) www.leedsth.nhs.uk/services/pathology/ tests/plasma-viscosity-pv/


16 Tidy C. Blood tests to detect inflammation. (Patient.info, 2024) www.patient.info/ treatment-medication/blood-tests/blood- tests-to-detect-inflammation


17 Perez Rogers A, Estes M. Hyperviscosity Syndrome. (StatPearls, 2023) www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/books/NBK518963/


18 Wright DJ, Jenkins DE Jr. Simplified method 20 WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM April 2026


for estimation of serum and plasma viscosity in multiple myeloma and related disorders. Blood. 1970;36(4):516-522.


19 Cleveland Clinic. Hyperviscosity Syndrome. (Cleveland Clinic, 2022) htps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/ diseases/23938-hyperviscosity-syndrome


20 Alexander GJ, Blake DR, Holman RL, Bacon PA. Predictive value of paired plasma and serum viscosity in early rheumatic conditions. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1981;282(6271):1198. doi:10.1136/ bmj.282.6271.1198


21 Rosencranz R, Bogen SA. Clinical laboratory measurement of serum, plasma, and blood viscosity. Am J Clin Pathol. 2006;125 Suppl:S78-S86. doi:10.1309/ FFF7U8RRPK26VAPY


22 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Plasma Viscosity. (GH NHSFT, 2025) www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/ services-we-offer/pathology/tests-and- investigations/plasma-viscosity/


23 Késmárky G, Kenyeres P, Rábai M, Tóth K. Plasma viscosity: a forgoten variable. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2008;39(1-4):243-246.


David Norcliffe, MMedSci, CSci (retired) FIBMS (retired) DM


David Manuel, BSc (Hons) Health Science, SP & IP (Prescribing), PGCert (Advanced Practice)


Bernie Benson, Founder and Managing Director of Benson Viscometers


Article supplied by Benson Viscometers www.bensonviscometers.com


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