Simplified Method for Estimation of Serum and Plasma Viscosity in Multiple Myeloma and Related Disorders

In the present study, the red blood cell pipette was tested and found to be a suitable viscometer for detection of the hyperviscosity syndrome in multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia. Additional studies demonstrated that in normal subjects and in most patients there was little difference in relative viscosity values whether serum or plasma was used and whether the test was performed at room temperature or 37° C. Based on these observations, a rapid screening test for the measurement of serum or plasma viscosities was described.