US Patent 7943390 - Molecular biofluid viscosity sensor

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7943390.html

Blood and blood plasma viscosity may become abnormal due to a variety of pathologic conditions. This patent teaches a way to use fluorescent molecules called molecular rotors to measure plasma viscosity for medical diagnostics.

1. A method for measuring viscosity comprising:

exposing a solid surface having molecular rotors attached thereto to a fluid having a viscosity to be measured; and

taking optical measurements to determine viscosity.