Reference Intervals for Whole-Blood Viscosity Measured Using the Fully Automated Scanning Capillary Tube Viscometer...

Area of Science:

• Clinical laboratory science
• Biorheology
• Medical diagnostics

Background:

• Accurate interpretation of whole-blood viscosity (WBV) relies on population-specific reference intervals (RIs).
• WBV is influenced by demographic factors such as sex and age, necessitating tailored RIs.
• Previous studies have not established RIs for WBV in Korean adults using automated viscometry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference intervals for whole-blood viscosity in Korean adults.
• To investigate the influence of sex and age on WBV measurements.
• To validate the use of the RHEOVIS 200 automated scanning capillary tube viscometer for WBV analysis.

Main Methods:

• Whole-blood viscosity was measured in 438 Korean adults using the RHEOVIS 200 viscometer at shear rates of 1 s⁻¹ and 300 s⁻¹.
• Reference intervals were determined using the non-parametric method adhering to CLSI guideline EP28-A3c.
• Median WBV values were compared between sexes and age groups.

Main Results:

• Established RIs for WBV at 1 s⁻¹ (20.83-38.50 mPa·s) and 300 s⁻¹ (3.74-5.50 mPa·s) for all Korean adults.
• Significant differences in median WBV were observed between men and women (P <0.01).
• Lower median WBV was found in the 20-30-year age group compared to other groups (P ≤ 0.03).

Conclusions:

• Sex-specific reference intervals for whole-blood viscosity are essential for accurate clinical interpretation in Korean adults.
• Age-specific RIs require further investigation and validation.
• Clinical laboratories utilizing the RHEOVIS 200 should establish and continuously verify their own RIs for WBV.