Viscosimetric monitoring of plasmapheresis

Abstract

The authors recently proposed (1) the concept “Erythrocyte Transport Function” (E.T.F.) This is expressed by the ratio: haematocrit over whole blood viscosity (φ/η); it has been used as a new criterion of blood-changes arising during a programme of plasmapheresis. In addition, the parameters “A” (whole blood viscosity at 1% haematocrit and one sec⁻¹ rate of shear) and “β” (a shear-sensitivity index) recently proposed (2) have been used. Data are presented on how far these new measurements supplement plasma viscosity in reflecting blood-changes during plasmapheresis. It is suggested that φ/η which closely follows changes in plasma viscosity, has numerical as well as rheological implications in monitoring plasmapheresis.