Colour-coded echographic flow imaging and spectral analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Part III. In-vitro study of low flow velocity detection related to decreasing particle concentration (hematocrit) and tube lumen.

An in-vitro steady flow system was designed to determine the lowest flow velocities that can be detected by echographic colour flow imaging and spectral analysis. The flow detection level was determined hydrostatically by reducing the fluid level to below the point at which a flow signal was visible, then increasing the height until the colour flow reappeared. This was confirmed in all instances by spectral analysis. The height (angle-corrected velocity) of the spectral envelope was also determined. Mean volume flow was then obtained by using a graduated cylinder and a stop watch. The lowest hematocrit detectable was identified using a stepwise dilution of packed human red blood cells with 0.9% sodium chloride. Three different PVC-tubes with inner diameters of 2.1 mm, 1.1 mm and 0.51 mm were used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)