R70: Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and abnormality of plasma viscosity

R70.1: Abnormal plasma viscosity

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things.

The liquid part of the blood contains proteins. The protein level largely determines the viscosity of the liquid blood part. If the viscosity has changed, the blood may be more or less viscous than usual. This may change the fluidity of the blood. Changes in viscosity can occur when certain disorders are present. For example, blood may be more viscous in the case of disorders that involve a very elevated level of protein in the blood.