An automated real time capillary viscometer

Abstract

This study describes how to establish a capillary viscometer (microviscosimeter) that uses an inline micro-flowmeter that can accurately measure whole blood effective viscosity in tubes of arteriolar diameter at physiologically nominal flow rates with all benefits of digital media. Total measurement time is 4 minutes. The data can be digitally handled. Currently this system is assembled at the Department of Anatomy, Istanbul Medical School, University of Istanbul. The system diagnoses elevated viscosity as a routine procedure providing valuable criteria for many clinical manifestations.