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Abstract

A method is provided for detecting interactions in the circulating blood of a living being caused by external factors by analyzing the viscosity of the living being's circulating blood. The method utilizes a blood viscosity measuring system that monitors the change in height of two, oppositely-moving, columns of blood from the circulating blood of a patient and, given the dimensions of a capillary tube through which the blood flows, determines the blood viscosity over a range of shear rates, especially low shear rates. The system includes a tube set that includes a pair of riser tubes, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions that is coupled between the riser tubes and a valve mechanism for controlling the circulating flow of blood from the patient into the riser tubes. Respective sensors monitor the movement of the columns of blood in each of the riser tubes and an associated microprocessor analyzes these movements, along with the predetermined dimensions of the capillary tube to determine the viscosity of the patient's circulating blood. A first viscosity profile is determined over a first shear rate range and a second viscosity profile is determined over the first shear rate range and a second shear rate range. The method utilizes the relationship of these two viscosity profiles, as well as with respect to a horizontal line, to detect the interactions in the circulating blood of a living being caused by the external factors. Furthermore, the tube set can then be pivoted clockwise and/or counterclockwise for measuring platelet aggregation and red blood cell deformability. In addition, a method and apparatus for determining the yield stress of the blood is discussed, as well as a method for determining the effects of drugs designed to treat a condition of the living being.

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