Viscosity (Plasma)
Private Plasma Viscosity testing in London for £99, measuring one inflammation-related marker with results expected in around 3 days.
Turnaround time
3 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Plasma Viscosity Test
The Plasma Viscosity test measures the resistance of blood plasma to flow, providing a non-specific laboratory marker that can increase when concentrations of inflammatory or abnormal plasma proteins rise.
The test assesses 1 haematology biomarker: Viscosity (Plasma).
Plasma is the liquid component of blood after blood cells have been removed.
Its viscosity is influenced largely by the quantity and type of proteins circulating within it.
During inflammation, acute-phase proteins such as Fibrinogen can increase.
This can make plasma more viscous.
Abnormal Immunoglobulin concentrations and paraproteins can also raise Plasma Viscosity.
The test therefore provides information similar in purpose to the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, although the two assays measure different physical processes.
Plasma Viscosity is used as a non-specific inflammation marker.
It can rise in infection, inflammatory disease, autoimmune conditions and selected haematological disorders.
It does not identify which disease is responsible for the abnormality.
A normal result also does not exclude every inflammatory condition.
One advantage is that Plasma Viscosity is less directly affected by red-blood-cell size and concentration than ESR.
The result is often interpreted alongside C-Reactive Protein, Full Blood Count, Immunoglobulins and clinical findings.
Significant persistent elevation without an obvious inflammatory explanation can occasionally lead to investigation for abnormal plasma proteins.
What Does the Plasma Viscosity Test Check ?
The test measures how resistant blood plasma is to flow. This test measures 1 biomarker.
Viscosity (Plasma)
Measures plasma thickness influenced by circulating proteins, providing a non-specific marker of inflammation and selected abnormal plasma-protein states.
Who May Benefit From the Plasma Viscosity Test ?
Plasma Viscosity can be useful where inflammation or abnormal plasma proteins are being investigated or monitored.
People with persistent inflammatory symptoms - Plasma Viscosity can provide a non-specific measure of inflammatory activity.
People with autoimmune or rheumatological disease under monitoring - Serial values can occasionally contribute to disease assessment.
People with unexplained raised inflammatory markers - Plasma Viscosity can complement CRP and other tests.
People with suspected abnormal Immunoglobulin concentrations - Plasma proteins can significantly influence viscosity.
People with recurrent unexplained fever or systemic symptoms - Inflammatory markers can contribute to a broader investigation.
People with previous elevated Plasma Viscosity - Repeat measurement can monitor trends.
People with suspected paraprotein disorders under specialist review - Significant abnormal Immunoglobulin production can increase viscosity.
People specifically referred for Plasma Viscosity measurement - The result can provide information distinct from ESR.
How to Prepare
Specimen handling is important.
The laboratory requires appropriate separation and transport conditions for Plasma Viscosity measurement.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Plasma Viscosity Test
Plasma Viscosity itself does not cause a specific symptom pattern when used as a routine inflammation marker.
Persistent unexplained fever - Infection or inflammatory disease can increase plasma proteins.
Joint pain or inflammatory symptoms - Autoimmune conditions can increase non-specific inflammatory markers.
Ongoing unexplained fatigue with other inflammatory findings - Plasma Viscosity can complement wider investigation.
A previously raised ESR or CRP - Additional inflammatory measurement can provide context.
Unexplained high Immunoglobulin levels - Increased plasma proteins can raise viscosity.
Monitoring a known inflammatory condition - Serial testing can occasionally demonstrate change over time.
A raised Plasma Viscosity result does not identify the underlying cause and should not be interpreted as a diagnosis.
Severe systemic illness or symptoms suggesting hyperviscosity require appropriate clinical assessment.
How to Book Your Plasma Viscosity Test in London
The Plasma Viscosity test can be booked privately for non-specific inflammatory and plasma-protein assessment.
Choose the Viscosity (Plasma)
Select the individual Plasma Viscosity blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional collection pathway able to meet the same-day specimen transport requirements.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required EDTA blood specimen.
Laboratory analysis
Plasma is prepared and undergoes measurement of Viscosity (Plasma).
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside CRP, Full Blood Count and other inflammatory markers.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current specialist laboratory turnaround for Plasma Viscosity is approximately 3 days after laboratory receipt.
The laboratory requires the sample to be sent on the same day and EDTA plasma to be separated within the specified processing window.
The specimen then undergoes viscosity measurement, quality-control procedures and result authorisation.
Understanding Your Results
A raised Plasma Viscosity result means the plasma is more resistant to flow than expected.
Inflammation is one common explanation because inflammatory proteins can increase.
Raised Immunoglobulins or paraproteins can also increase viscosity.
The result does not identify which mechanism is responsible.
A normal result makes significant elevation less likely at the time of testing but does not exclude every inflammatory disorder.
Trends can sometimes be more informative than a single result when an inflammatory condition is being monitored.
The result should be considered alongside CRP, blood count, Immunoglobulins and symptoms.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private Plasma Viscosity testing for non-specific inflammation and plasma-protein assessment.
Measures plasma viscosity directly - The test assesses a physical property influenced by circulating proteins.
Provides an inflammation marker - Inflammatory proteins can increase the result.
Can complement CRP - Different inflammatory markers can provide additional clinical context.
Can be relevant to abnormal Immunoglobulins - Paraproteins and marked immunoglobulin elevations can affect viscosity.
Useful for serial monitoring - Repeat measurements can show changes over time.
Specialist same-day specimen handling - Collection and transport requirements are followed carefully.
Professional blood collection - Appropriate collection can be arranged.
Clear pricing - The Viscosity (Plasma) test costs £99.
Private Plasma Viscosity Test Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Plasma Viscosity testing for people requiring non-specific assessment of inflammation or plasma proteins.
The test costs £99 and measures 1 biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 3 days after laboratory receipt.
The result should be interpreted with other inflammatory markers and clinical findings rather than used as a standalone diagnosis.