The measurement of density and its significance in blood rheology

Abstract

When viscoelasticity is measured with an oscillating capillary rheometer, the density of the fluid under study is an influencing factor (inertia). In the particular case of blood rheology hematocrit is also of interest. It can be measured more exactly on the basis of the density of blood and blood plasma than by conventional methods using a hematocrit centrifuge or Coulter counter, as these give too high readings when there is an increased tendency towards erythrocyte aggregation and reduced erythrocyte flexibility. Due to the double significance of blood density for blood viscoelasticity, an oscillating capillary rheometer and a new type of density-measuring device were attached to a computer in such a way that simultaneous evaluation is possible. The density-measuring device is a U-tube that is set into oscillation electronically. The duration of the oscillation is an indication of the density of the fluid in the U-tube.