Viscosity, Serum

Test ID: 

703148

CPT code:

85810

Synonyms:

Serum Viscosity

Viscosity

Clinical Use:

Evaluate hyperviscosity syndrome associated with monoclonal gammopathy states (myeloma, macroglobulinemia of Waldenström, and other dysproteinemias), including occasional cases of rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus, hyperfibrinogenemia

Test Information:

Hyperviscosity most frequent (33% of cases) with IgM monoclonal gammopathy (Waldenström macroglobulinemia); next with IgA myeloma. When IgG myeloma leads to hyperviscosity, IgG levels are usually very significantly elevated. A relative viscosity of 6−7 usually results in symptoms of the hyperviscosity syndrome, they have however been described with lower levels of relative viscosity (ie, 4). Neonatal hyperviscosity, usually but not always associated with polycythemia, may be accompanied by a fairly typical clinical picture. Plethora, hypoglycemia, lethargy, and jitteriness/seizures (CNS symptoms) occur. There may be symptoms and findings suggesting congenital heart disease (CHD) (ie, respiratory distress, cardiac enlargement, and cyanosis). False diagnoses of CHD have been made in such cases. About 50% of such infants have modest hyperbilirubinemia (bilirubin >12 mg/dL).

Specimen Type:

Serum

Requested Volume: 

1 mL

Minimum Volume: 

0.5 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate

Stability Requirements:

Rejection Criteria

Hemolysis; fibrin clots; quantity not sufficient for analysis