Viscoelasticity of whole blood and its dependence on laboratory parameters.

With the aid of multiple linear regression analysis, the dependence of whole blood viscoelasticity on different laboratory parameters was investigated. Viscoelasticity was determined by means of an oscillating capillary rheometer at a frequency of 2 Hz and an amplitude of wall shear rate of 10 1/s. The results showed, that the viscous component of viscoelasticity depends mainly on hematocrit and to a small degree on plasma viscosity. The elastic component of viscoelasticity on the other hand is influenced to a greater extent by plasma viscosity and is additionally influenced by the plasma proteins (fibrinogen, albumin, and cholesterol) and platelets. Thus, 81 % of the variation found for the viscous and 75 % for the elastic component of a reference population of normal donors could be explained.