Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a pioneering ultrasound technology capable of non-invasively measuring blood viscosity in real time. This advancement addresses a vital health metric that has been largely overlooked in traditional medical assessments alongside standard vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure. The findings are detailed in a paper published in the Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement, and Control in March 2025.
Blood viscosity, or the thickness and stickiness of blood as it flows through the body, plays a significant role in overall health. It is linked to several leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke. According to Nilesh Salvi, a research scientist in Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the lead author of the study, thick blood can force the heart to exert more effort, increasing the risk of clots and tissue damage. “Blood pressure tells us what’s happening to the vessel walls. But it doesn’t tell us about the blood itself. Viscosity could be that missing piece,” Salvi emphasized.
Innovative Ultrasound Device
The newly developed device utilizes ultrasound waves to assess blood viscosity without the need for invasive procedures. The true innovation lies in its software design. The system operates by gently vibrating the blood using a continuous sound wave, while simultaneously analyzing how the sound waves travel through the body. A sophisticated algorithm processes the data to yield accurate measurements of both blood density and viscosity simultaneously.
This technology originated from Salvi’s earlier work in monitoring oil quality in engines. His initial design aimed to develop sensors for real-time lubricant monitoring. With guidance from his mentor, Jinglu Tan, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering, Salvi pivoted to explore medical applications for the technology. Tan’s expertise was instrumental in refining the scientific principles guiding this new medical direction.
Recognizing the clinical potential, William Fay, a professor of medical pharmacology and physiology at Mizzou’s School of Medicine, encouraged Salvi to investigate how the device could be employed in healthcare settings. “Measuring blood viscosity has always been a challenge,” Fay noted. “Specialized lab equipment is needed, and most hospitals don’t have it. This new device could be transformative—it allows accurate, real-time viscosity readings without ever drawing blood.”
Transforming Patient Care
Traditionally, blood viscosity assessments require samples that can alter the blood’s natural properties. In contrast, the Mizzou device measures viscosity directly within the body, capturing its true behavior. Tan remarked, “Blood is a living organ. You can’t take it out and expect it to behave the same way. Measuring it in the body—in situ—is what makes our approach so powerful.”
The implications of this technology could be profound, particularly for managing conditions like sickle cell anemia, where irregularly shaped blood cells increase viscosity and threaten organ health. Continuous monitoring of blood viscosity could allow healthcare providers to tailor transfusions or medications based on real-time patient needs, rather than relying on scheduled assessments.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are preparing for human trials, with Salvi aiming to establish blood viscosity as a standard vital sign, alongside heart rate and oxygen levels. The technology’s software-centric design means it can function on affordable hardware, potentially leading to the creation of cost-effective, portable devices and future wearable health technologies.
“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 gain insights into blood flow and disease progression in ways we never could before.”
