The viscous and viscoelastic properties of three transparent high polymer solutions were studied with a steady flow and oscillatory Couette flow viscometer aiming to select a blood analog fluid for in vitro hemodynamic studies. The results were compared with those of human blood. Aqueous solutions of polyacrylamide (AP), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and Xanthan gum (XG) were studied as candidate solutions. Sodium thiocyanate and glycerol were added to these solutions to adjust the refraction index and viscosity, respectively. AP and CMC solutions mixed with sodium thiocyanate were Newtonian. The viscous and viscoelastic properties of XG solution were close to those of human blood, and was the best solution as a blood analog fluid. In addition, its properties did not changed by storage for one year or by continuous use in an in vitro circulatory system for about one month. From these results, we concluded that XG solution is useful for in vitro hemodynamic studies, particularly for those employing optical techniques.
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