Table 2 Comparison of apparent kinematic (experimental setup 1, 37 °C) and dynamic (experimental setup 2, 22.5 °C) viscosities of serous, purulent and biliary fluid samples water and glycerol.

From: Evaluation of viscosities of typical drainage fluids to promote more evidence-based catheter size selection

Fluid type

Relative kinematic viscosity, median [IQR]

Relative dynamic viscosity, median [IQR]

Relative to water

 Serous

1.38 [1.29–1.64]

1.36 [1.34–1.99]

 Purulent

1.41 [1.38–1.43]

2.26 [1.70–3.39]

 Biliary

3.98 [2.51–5.31]

4.03 [3.73–4.29]

Relative to glycerol (10–3)

 Serous

3.42 [3.21–4.09]

1.47 [1.45–2.15]

 Purulent

3.50 [3.45–3.55]

2.44 [1.84–3.66]

 Biliary

9.91 [6.26–13.23]

4.35 [4.03–4.63]

  1. The measured kinematic viscosity was 0.70 mm2/s for water and 401 mm2/s for glycerol at 37 °C. The measured dynamic viscosity was 0.94 mPa*s for water and 925 mPa*s for glycerol at 22.5 °C.
  2. IQR interquartile range.
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