Abstract: A solution of purified, standardized fibrinogen is added to a sample of coagulant-free serum from subject, and the viscosity of the resulting solution is measured. The measurement may be related to diagnosing an abnormal body condition, such as schizophrenia or selecting the optimum chemotherapeutic agent in treatment.

Abstract: A snake venom antiprotease is isolated from the albumin fraction of the eggs of snakes, such as the Bushmaster, and used to treat mammals against the effects of snake venom according to the disclosed invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining blood viscosity of blood in the body is disclosed. Venous pressure in a body vein is maintained at a constant pressure, blood is then withdrawn from the vein at a constant pressure for a period of time and the volume of blood withdrawn is determined to obtain an indication of blood viscosity when in the body. The time period may be constant and the blood volume is then inversely proportional to body blood viscosity. In another embodiment a predetermined volume of blood is withdrawn and the time period is measured which is directly proportional to blood viscosity in the body. The diagnostic apparatus comprises a hollow needle, a means for withdrawing and collecting blood from the vein through the hollow needle, a negative pressure measuring device such as a vacuum gauge for effectively measuring the negative pressure used to withdraw the blood and a timing device.

Abstract: A material extracted from snakes such as snake serum is purified to obtain an inhibitor for snake venom toxicity and/or proteolytic enzymes. Snake serum is treated to obtain a useful therapeutic agent present in the serum and attached to a high molecular weight protein molecule. The protein molecule is split and fragments thereof are removed along with unwanted antigenic protein material to thus separate a purified material having high inhibitor activity against snake venom toxicity and proteases. The resulting inhibitor material is relatively low in protein content with an increase of specific activity of many times that of crude serum.

Abstract: A method of determining blood viscosity of blood in the body. Venous pressure in a body vein is maintained at a constant pressure. Blood is then withdrawn from the vein at a constant pressure for a time period and the volume of blood withdrawn is determined, to obtain an indication of blood viscosity when in the body. The time period can be constant and the blood volume is then proportional to body blood viscosity. Alternately a predetermined volume of blood is withdrawn and the time period is measured and is proportional to blood viscosity in the body. Preferably a three-way valve is incorporated into a system comprising a needle, syringe and vacuum gauge to enable withdrawal of blood at a predetermined negative pressure so that blood viscosity can be obtained rapidly and inexpensively.