Summary
- Optical measurements of blood plasma viscosity can provide information about the severity and progression of COVID-19.
- Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy is a promising method for quickly analyzing small amounts of plasma in less than a second.
- Differences in viscosity and temperature dependence of blood plasma were observed in COVID-19 patients.
- These differences may be associated with changes in physical properties that affect how liquid plasma behaves.
- This research could lead to quicker assessments of disease severity, better understanding of COVID-19 complications, and development of targeted therapies.
A recent study led by researchers at MedUni Vienna has discovered a new method that utilizes optical measurements to assess the severity and progression of COVID-19 based on the viscosity of blood plasma. This groundbreaking technique, known as Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy, can quickly analyze small amounts of plasma in less than a second, making it a promising tool for monitoring severely ill patients. The findings of the study were recently published in the scientific journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” (PNAS).
The study revealed significant differences in the viscosity and temperature dependence of blood samples from COVID-19 patients, particularly at temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius. These differences are associated with changes in the physical properties of certain components in the plasma, which could lead to altered flow behavior in the smallest blood vessels and potentially result in complications such as multi-organ failure. By measuring these viscosity differences with BLS, researchers aim to quickly assess disease severity in patients, develop targeted therapeutic measures, and improve our understanding of COVID-19 and other diseases. Further research is underway to test and optimize this method for clinical use, as well as investigate its potential applications in prognosis and understanding biophysical processes in various health conditions.
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Critical Care, Infectious Diseases, Pulmonary Medicine