Picture this: For decades, we've tracked the basics of our health—like heartbeat, blood pressure, body warmth, and oxygen levels—but what if there's a hidden player in the game that's been flying under the radar? Blood viscosity, the measure of how thick or sticky our blood gets as it courses through our veins, could be that game-changer. And now, thanks to groundbreaking research from the University of Missouri, we're on the cusp of monitoring it effortlessly, without any invasive procedures. Intrigued? Let's dive into how this innovation might rewrite the rules of healthcare.
For years, medical pros have leaned on those trusty vital signs to gauge a patient's well-being. But a team at the University of Missouri spotted something crucial that's often ignored: the thickness of blood itself. They've rolled out a pioneering ultrasound-based tool that lets doctors check blood viscosity in real time, all from outside the body. This isn't just an upgrade; it's a fresh lens on how our circulation impacts everything from daily energy to serious illnesses.
Their findings are laid out in a paper published in the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control, available at this link: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/dynamicsystems/article/147/5/051007/1214793/A-Model-Based-Method-for-In-Situ-Viscosity.
Viscosity isn't some obscure term—think of it like honey versus water: Honey's thicker and slower to pour, right? In our bodies, blood that's too viscous (sticky) can make the heart pump harder, raising risks for dangerous clots or damage to tissues. As Nilesh Salvi, the lead research scientist from Mizzou's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, explains, 'Blood pressure gives us clues about the walls of our vessels, but it overlooks the blood flowing through them. Viscosity might just be the missing link we've been searching for.' And here's the kicker: This metric ties directly into six of America's top 10 killers, including heart disease, cancer, and strokes. By monitoring it, we could catch issues early, potentially saving lives before they escalate.
But here's where it gets truly fascinating—the technology itself. At its heart, this device harnesses ultrasound waves to vibrate blood gently with a constant sound wave, then uses advanced math and signal processing to read how that vibration responds. What sets it apart? For the first time, it can measure both blood density (how heavy the blood is per volume) and viscosity simultaneously from a single signal. Imagine trying to judge the quality of oil in a car's engine—that's where this idea started, believe it or not. Salvi, who holds master's and Ph.D. degrees from Mizzou's College of Engineering, originally created this system to check lubricant quality in motors. He even spun off a startup for engine sensors. But with input from his advisor, Jinglu Tan—a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering—the team pivoted to biological applications. Tan's insights sharpened the science, making it robust for human use.
William Fay, a professor of medical pharmacology and physiology at Mizzou's School of Medicine, jumped in early, urging them to explore medical angles. 'Blood viscosity testing has always been tough,' he notes. 'It requires fancy lab gear that most hospitals lack. This new gadget changes everything—it delivers precise, live readings without drawing a drop of blood.' Traditionally, doctors take samples, which might change the blood's behavior outside the body. But this non-invasive approach captures viscosity right where it matters: inside us. As Tan puts it, 'Blood isn't just a fluid; it's a dynamic organ. Pull it out, and it acts differently. Measuring it in situ—that's the real breakthrough.'
And this is the part most people miss: The potential to transform treatments for conditions like sickle cell anemia, where misshapen red blood cells make blood thicker and harder to flow, risking organ failure. With ongoing monitoring, doctors could adjust transfusions or meds on the fly, based on real-time data, rather than sticking to rigid schedules. It's like having a live feed of your car's engine health instead of waiting for an annual check-up.
Looking ahead, the researchers are gearing up for human trials to refine this tech. Salvi dreams of making blood viscosity a routine vital sign, right up there with pulse and oxygen sats. Since it's largely software-driven, it could run on budget-friendly hardware, with prototypes using off-the-shelf parts. That opens the door to cheap, portable devices—and who knows? Maybe even wearable trackers one day, letting you monitor your own blood flow from your wrist.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is adding another 'vital sign' to our medical checklists a brilliant step forward, or could it lead to over-monitoring and unnecessary worry? Critics might argue that constantly tracking something as variable as blood viscosity could overwhelm patients or healthcare systems, especially if it's not always a reliable predictor. On the flip side, advocates say it's empowering, giving us deeper insights into personalized health. What if this shifts focus from reactive treatments to proactive prevention? Do you think society is ready for yet another health metric to obsess over, or is this the innovation we've been waiting for? Could it spark debates about privacy in wearable tech, where every fluctuation gets logged? I'd love to hear your take—agree or disagree, share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more details, check out the study: Nilesh Salvi et al, A Model-Based Method for In Situ Viscosity Measurement With Continuous-Wave Ultrasound, Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control (2025). DOI: 10.1115/1.4068392 (https://dx.doi.org/10.1115/1.4068392)
Citation: New ultrasound technology can non-invasively measure blood viscosity (2025, November 4) retrieved 4 November 2025 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11-ultrasound-technology-invasively-blood-viscosity.html
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