From the Research
Plasma viscosity testing is recommended for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory conditions, blood disorders, and cardiovascular disease, as it provides valuable information about protein levels and potential disease states, with the most recent study 1 suggesting its predictive value for cardiovascular disease and mortality. The test measures the thickness or flow resistance of blood plasma, which is affected by proteins such as fibrinogen and immunoglobulins.
- Elevated plasma viscosity often indicates inflammation or infection, while decreased levels may suggest conditions with protein deficiencies.
- Unlike erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma viscosity testing is less affected by factors like anemia or red blood cell abnormalities, making it a more reliable marker in certain clinical scenarios.
- The test is particularly useful for detecting conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, and macroglobulinemia, where abnormal proteins can increase plasma viscosity.
- It's also helpful in monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness in chronic inflammatory diseases, with studies such as 2 and 3 demonstrating its relationship with the severity of coronary heart disease.
- The measurement of plasma viscosity has high stability and accuracy, making it a practical diagnostic tool in various clinical settings, as noted in 4.
- Overall, plasma viscosity testing is a valuable tool for identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease and monitoring disease progression, with the most recent study 1 providing evidence for its predictive value.