Blood viscosity in the fasting surgical patient

Abstract

Blood viscosity, hematocrit and plasma concentrations of hemoglobin, fibrinogen, albumin and total protein were studied in 12 surgical patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class I) whose pre-operative fast extended for approximately 12 hours. No significant changes were noted in any of these parameters so that a slight prolongation of the usual overnight fast did not appear to have any adverse rheological effects on these patients.