A team of researchers at the University of Missouri has developed an innovative ultrasound technology that can measure blood viscosity non-invasively and in real time. This advancement, detailed in their paper published in the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, addresses a significant gap in standard health monitoring, which typically focuses on vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure.
Blood viscosity, the thickness and stickiness of blood as it flows, is a crucial health indicator linked to several major health concerns. According to Nilesh Salvi, a research scientist in Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the lead author of the study, this metric influences conditions like heart disease, cancer, and stroke. “Blood pressure tells us what’s happening to the vessel walls,” Salvi explained. “But it doesn’t tell us about the blood itself. Viscosity could be that missing piece.”
Innovative Technology and Its Applications
The newly designed device utilizes ultrasound waves to measure blood viscosity. What sets it apart is its advanced software, which works by sending a continuous sound wave through the blood while sensing its response. This dual action allows for the simultaneous analysis of both blood density and viscosity through a sophisticated algorithm.
Initially created to monitor oil quality in engines, this technology was adapted for medical use by Salvi, who holds both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the College of Engineering at the University of Missouri. With mentorship from Jinglu Tan, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering, Salvi pivoted the technology towards biological applications, realizing its potential to revolutionize health monitoring.
William Fay, a professor of medical pharmacology and physiology in Mizzou’s School of Medicine, also played a vital role in encouraging Salvi to explore clinical applications. “Measuring blood viscosity has always been a challenge,” Fay noted. “This new device could be a game changer—it allows accurate, real-time viscosity readings without ever drawing blood.”
Traditional methods for assessing blood viscosity involve taking samples, which can alter the blood’s natural properties. In contrast, the Mizzou device captures viscosity in situ, providing a true reflection of blood behavior within the body. Tan emphasized the significance of this approach: “You can’t take it out and expect it to behave the same way.”
Future Implications for Healthcare
The potential impact of this technology is substantial, particularly for managing diseases like sickle cell anemia, where irregularly shaped blood cells can increase viscosity and jeopardize organ health. Continuous monitoring of blood viscosity can enable tailored transfusions or medication adjustments based on real-time patient needs, rather than on fixed schedules.
As research progresses, the team is preparing for human trials, with Salvi envisioning a future where blood viscosity becomes a standard vital sign, alongside heart rate and oxygen levels. The device’s software-driven nature allows it to function on affordable hardware, making it possible to create low-cost, portable models that could lead to wearable health technology.
“This isn’t just a new device,” Salvi stated. “It’s a new way of thinking about the human body. Once we can see viscosity in real time, we’ll understand blood flow and disease progression in ways we never could before.”
The research team’s work represents a significant leap forward in understanding and monitoring blood health, potentially transforming patient care and outcomes. For more detailed information, refer to Salvi et al.’s study in the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, scheduled for publication in March 2025.
