Hemoglobin Solution as a Plasma Expander: Effects on Blood Viscosity

SummaryHemoglobin solution is a promising plasma substitute from a rheological viewpoint. Its addition to blood at a constant hematocrit causes minimum elevation in viscosity but a significant increase in oxygen-carrying capacity. Therefore the administration of hemoglobin may maintain the oxygen-carrying capacity while diluting the red cell concentration, thus facilitating blood flow in the microcirculation and improve tissue metabolism.