Rheometer and method for the use thereof

A device for determining the rheological properties of blood, the device comprising:

• a channel having at least one channel sub-section that has an increasing or decreasing cross-section;
• an apparatus for determining a pressure differential along at least a portion of the sub-section of the channel;
• a first reservoir that is adapted to be located at a first end of the channel and to be placed in fluid communication with the channel, the first reservoir being of variable internal volume;
• a second reservoir that is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the first reservoir via the channel, the second reservoir being of variable internal volume;
• means for allowing blood to be introduced into the device;
• an outlet for allowing gas to be expelled from the device;
• and
• means for varying the volume of the first reservoir, such that when the first and second reservoirs are in fluid communication with the first and second ends of the channel respectively, blood may be caused to flow along the channel in alternating directions.

A device for determining the rheological properties of blood, the device comprising:

• a channel;
• an apparatus for determining a pressure differential along at least a portion of the channel;
• a first reservoir that is adapted to be located at a first end of the channel and to be placed in fluid communication with the channel, the first reservoir being of variable internal volume;
• a second reservoir that is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the first reservoir via the channel, the second reservoir being configured to hold a liquid received from the channel, such that the liquid may be returned to the channel;
• means for allowing blood to be introduced into the device;
• an outlet for allowing gas to be expelled from the device;
• and
• means for varying the volume of the first reservoir, such that when the first and second reservoirs are in fluid communication with the first and second ends of the channel respectively, blood may be caused to flow along the channel in alternating directions.