Plasma Viscosity, gives a measure of the acute phase response; i.e. the increase in assorted plasma proteins and fibrinogen in blood plasma stimulated by a variety of causes (e.g. infection, neoplasm or inflammatory disease).
Interpretation of PV Results
Plasma viscosity is a non-specific screening test used in diagnosing a host of disorders. Here you can find out more information.
Results | PV range (mPa.s) Reported at 25ºC | PV range (mPa.s) Reported at 37ºC | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
Normal Range | 1.50 - 1.72 | 1.12 - 1.27 | |
Low results | < 1.40 | < 1.05 | Found in infants under 3 years old and patients with low immunoglobulin or fibrinogen levels. |
High results | 1.75 - 2.00 | 1.30 - 1.46 | Chronic disorders e.g. infection, malignancy, vascular disease. Autoimmune such as rheumatic diseases. |
High results | 2.01 - 3.00 | 1.47 - 2.18 | Suggestive of Myeloma. IgG-paraproteins. High concentration of asymmetric paraproteins |
Extremely high results | > 3.00 | > 2.18 | Suggestive of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia. Grossly raised IgM-paraproteins. |
The above is a very basic summary and more information is available in Articles and Guidelines and links to other websites which can be found at the bottom of this page.

Articles & Guidelines
Published articles relating to clinical viscosity, Viscometers and some general information to help understand the benefits of clinical viscosity testing.
Read More
Quality Assurance
We use only UKAS approved calibration fluids with our viscometer calibration fluid products. Benson Viscometers is certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards.
Read More
Support Literature
Support literature contains useful information on clinical viscometers and viscosity testing such as, a quick reference guide, comparisons to other types of inflammation testing and reference information.
Read More
Where is Plasma Viscosity used as a Diagnostic Tool?

Chart : Customer reported usage of PV in screening tests
Links to other sites
Below are links to some web sites providing additional information on haematology and Plasma Viscosity.
Viapath - Plasma Viscosity
An overview of PV services
Exeter Clinical Laboratory
Plasma Viscosity & Interpretation of results
North Bristol NHS Trust
Plasma Viscosity Test Information
Gloucestershire Hospital - Plasma Viscosity
Department of Haematology
Labtestsonline is an excellent resource, run by the Association for Clinical Biochemists.
A peer reviewed, non commercial, patient centered site offering guidance on laboratory testing.
Patient.co.uk
This site has many supporting documents including professional reference articles written for healthcare professionals.
UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS)
The only external quality assurance scheme in the UK that offers plasma viscosity EQA and advice.
External site providing Plasma Viscosity service to patients directly
Website providing PV service to patients directly
Plasma Viscosity, gives a measure of the acute phase response; i.e. the increase in assorted plasma proteins and fibrinogen in blood plasma stimulated by a variety of causes (e.g. infection, neoplasm or inflammatory disease).
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Haematology )[4] => Array ( [link_title] => Labtestsonline is an excellent resource, run by the Association for Clinical Biochemists. [link_url] => http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk/understanding/analytes/plasma-viscosity/tab/test [link_desc] => A peer reviewed, non commercial, patient centered site offering guidance on laboratory testing. )[5] => Array ( [link_title] => Patient.co.uk [link_url] => http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/Acute-Phase-Proteins-CRP-ESR-and-Viscosity.htm [link_desc] => This site has many supporting documents including professional reference articles written for healthcare professionals. )[6] => Array ( [link_title] => UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) [link_url] => http://www.ukneqas.org.uk/content/Pageserver.asp [link_desc] => The only external quality assurance scheme in the UK that offers plasma viscosity EQA and advice. )[7] => Array ( [link_title] => External site providing Plasma Viscosity service to patients directly [link_url] => https://bloodtestslondon.com/plasma-viscosity-blood-test.html [link_desc] => Website providing PV service to patients directly ))[links_heading] => Links to other sites [links_paragraph] => Below are links to some web sites providing additional information on haematology and Plasma Viscosity. )