Application of a new blood-mimicking fluid in a flow Doppler test object.
OBJECTIVE
To construct and apply a flow Doppler test object and its flow rig.


METHODS
In this flow rig, particular attention was given to use of a long inlet length and to ensure the absence of disturbing particles. The latter was obtained by proper degassing, use of a filter and application of a fungicide. Two blood-mimicking fluids were used, with a viscosity of 4 and 8 mPa s respectively.


RESULTS
Predictable Poiseuille flow profiles were obtained. The velocity range could be extended by increasing the viscosity of the blood-mimicking fluid. Predictable axial velocities up to 2.5 m/s were obtained in an 8-mm tube and 5 m/s in a 4-mm tube.


CONCLUSIONS
Well-defined flow conditions that can be applied to investigate clinical ultrasound Doppler systems in a number of situations have been obtained.
Lubbers
J
J
Department of BioMedical Engineering, University of Groningen, Bloemsingel 10, 9712 KZ, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.lubbers@med.rug.nl
D001769:Blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001802:Blood Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D012212:Rheology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017585:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014783:Viscosity
D001802:Blood Substitutes