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Test ID: SVISC Viscosity, Serum


Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Keep specimen at 37° C (eg, 37° C Thermopak, heat block) until after centrifugation.

2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial.


Useful For

Detection of increased viscosity

 

Monitoring patients with hyperviscosity syndrome

 

This test is not useful for patients with small concentrations of monoclonal proteins.

Method Name

Capillary Measurement

Reporting Name

Viscosity, S

Specimen Type

Serum Red

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.75 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Red Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  14 days

Clinical Information

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. Funduscopic examination reveals dilation of retinal veins and flame shaped retinal hemorrhages.

 

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.

 

Because the ability of a monoclonal protein to cause hyperviscosity is affected by its concentration, molecular weight, and aggregation, sera with concentrations of monoclonal IgM greater than 4 g/dL, IgA greater than 5 g/dL, or IgG greater than 6 g/dL should be tested for hyperviscosity.

 

Serum viscosity and electrophoresis are recommended before and after plasmapheresis in order to correlate viscosity and M-spike with patient symptoms. This correlation may be useful for anticipating the need for repeat plasmapheresis.

Reference Values

≤1.5 centipoises

Interpretation

Although viscosities greater than 1.5 centipoises (cP) are abnormal, hyperviscosity is rarely present unless the viscosity is greater than 3 cP.

Clinical Reference

1. Gertz MA, Kyle RA: Hyperviscosity syndrome. J Intensive Care Med. 1995;10:128-141

2. Gertz MA: Acute hyperviscosity: syndromes and management. Blood. 2018;132(13):1379-1385

3. Kesmarky G, Kenyeres P, Rabai M, Toth K: Plasma viscosity: a forgotten variable. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2008;39(1-4):243-246

4. Wood AW: Rheology of blood. In: Physiology, Biophysics, and Biomedical Engineering. CRC Press; 2012:217-233

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

85810

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
SVISC Viscosity, S 3128-6

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
SVISC Viscosity, S 3128-6

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755)

-Hematopathology/Cytogenetics Test Request (T726)

Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Hematology Catalog Additional Information:

mml-benign-hematology-disorders, mml-lymphoma