DETERMINATION OF SURFACE TENSION IN BIOLOGIC FLUIDS.
Abstract
Determination of meaningful surface tension in biologic fluids poses numerous problems because of the presence of diverse solutes and surface-active agents and the spontaneous changes of the exposed surface. During the course of an investigation of decompression sickness, particularly the biophysical basis of bubble formation, it became desirable to measure surface tension in samples of human blood in order to evaluate the effect that differences in surface tension might have on susceptibility to decompression sickness. A device was developed that utilizes a horizontally placed capillary tube of 1 mm. or less I.D. into which a sample of approximately 10 microliters or less is placed. After forcing the liquid to the end of the capillary tube, the pressure required to flatten the meniscus is measured. Conductive properties of the sample are used to determine the pressure end point. The instrument permits reproducible measurements ( plus or minus 1 dyne/cm) to be made rapidly (less than 1 min) on small quantities of fluid. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0700755
Entities
People
- J. Ryan Neville
- Kenneth G. Ikels
- Leopoldo L. Rodriquez
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine