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Updated: May 22, 2026

In Vitro Microfluidic Disease Model to Study Whole Blood-Endothelial Interactions and Blood Clot Dynamics in Real-Time
Published on: May 24, 2020
Whole blood viscosity assessment issues II: Prevalence in endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulation
1Western Pathology Cluster - NSW HealthSouth West Pathology Service, 590 Smollett Street Albury, NSW 2640, Australia.
This study found hyperviscosity is uncommon with positive D-dimer but significantly linked to hyperhomocysteinaemia. Low viscosity was more prevalent in positive D-dimer groups, suggesting blood viscosity
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular pathology
- Hematology
- Clinical biochemistry
Background:
- Virchow's triad links blood viscosity, D-dimer, and homocysteine to cardiovascular disease.
- These factors represent distinct vascular phenomena.
- Investigating their interrelationships is crucial for understanding thrombosis risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyperviscosity in patients with hyperhomocysteinaemia and positive D-dimer.
- To compare stasis status across different homocysteine and D-dimer levels.
- To elucidate the specific role of blood viscosity in cardiovascular stasis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective audit of 10-year clinical pathology data (1999-2008).
- Included cases with D-dimer (n=6845) and homocysteine (n=1665) tests.
- Concomitant testing for haematocrit and total proteins was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hyperviscosity prevalence was low (1.48%) in positive D-dimer groups, not significantly different from negative D-dimer groups.
- Hyperviscosity was significantly more prevalent in hyperhomocysteinaemia (5.04%) versus normohomocysteinaemia (p=0.05).
- Low viscosity was significantly higher in positive D-dimer groups (p<0.00001); normoviscosity was more common in negative D-dimer and normohomocysteinaemia groups (p<0.00001).
Conclusions:
- Blood viscosity's specificity for stasis requires re-evaluation.
- Viscosity may not be a sensitive indicator for all disease states where it is implicated.
- Findings challenge the direct correlation of viscosity with D-dimer and homocysteine-related stasis.
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