ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Plasma viscosity is an important biomarker both in diagnostics and treatment monitoring of plasma cell dyscrasias and other disorders with hyperviscosity syndrome as a clinical manifestation. Here, we investigate the performance of a new microfluidic-based viscometer for clinical use, establish a new reference range to be used with this instrument and determine the importance of sampling temperature. METHODS: The microVisc™ viscometer was evaluated for within-run and between-run imprecision and bias using standardized reference material (Paragon controls) and Seronorm™ control material. The reference range was established for the adult population using EDTA-plasma from 120 healthy blood donors. Sampling temperature was investigated by drawing and transporting blood at room temperature and 37°C and comparing the viscosity between the two sampling methods. RESULTS: The microfluidic-based viscometer performed well, and imprecision was comparable to ReoRox® G2 free oscillation rheometer. A new reference range for the adult Danish population was established as 1.2-1.5 mPa s at 37°C. Furthermore, sampling temperature at room temperature and 37°C was investigated, and there was no difference in results obtained. CONCLUSIONS: MicroVisc™ is suitable for measuring plasma viscosity in a clinical setting and results can be evaluated using the established reference range. Blood sampling for viscosity analysis can be performed as a standard procedure at room temperature.
Subject(s)
Blood Viscosity , Microfluidics/instrumentation , Blood Donors , Diagnostic Tests, Routine , Female , Humans , Male , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
Using functional haemostasis assays, we demonstrated important differences in stability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in citrated whole blood and plasma from DOAC treated patients. Laboratories and clinicians should take this into consideration and adjust clinical practices accordingly.