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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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VISCOSITY

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3252    Geisinger Epic ID:  7233

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum.


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

2 mL aliquot of serum; minimum 1.5 mL.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Incubate at 37°C for 30 minutes. Centrifuge immediately after incubation at designated time and speed to obtain platelet-poor serum (<10,000/µL). Do not freeze sample.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature. Do not freeze sample.


Specimen stability: 

Stable 24 hours at 20°C.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

1.4 - 1.8.


Additional information: 

Turnaround Times: Routine - 4 hours, STAT - 1 Hours, Extended TAT - 3 Days, Timed - 60 minutes, Pending Discharge - 45 minutes.


CPT code(s):  85810
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Ratio of serum to water.


Methodology: 
Capillary viscometer
Synonyms: 

Serum Viscosity, VISC


Clinical significance: 

Increased serum viscosity is most commonly seen in patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Capillary occlusion and stasis hypoxia may be observed in patients with increased serum viscosity.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Mary Dhesi MD
Review Date:  01/08/2025

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