A comparison of blood viscosity between the adult sheep and newborn lamb. The role of plasma and red blood cell type

Abstract

Adult sheep and newborn lamb blood viscosity (Vc) have been compared by taking into account not only the hematocrit, but also the type of the red cells (adult or fetal) in the circulation and the plasma Vc. At all shear rates studied the whole blood Vc of the adult was higher than that of the newborn. Plasma Vc was 1.58 ± 0.18 centipoises in the adult compared to 1.21 ± 0.19 in the newborn group (P < 0.001). The mean relative apparent viscosity (whole blood Vc/plasma Vc) was higher in the newborn although the difference was not significant. © 1983 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.