👉 The Gilbert fluid, named after Dr. David Gilbert, is a theoretical model describing the behavior of blood plasma under specific conditions, particularly in the context of low hematocrit levels (typically less than 20%). This fluid concept posits that plasma, which normally carries red blood cells and other cellular components, behaves more like a dilute fluid when hematocrit is low. It suggests that at such levels, plasma molecules and solutes spread out more freely, leading to increased viscosity and altered flow characteristics. This model helps explain phenomena like increased blood viscosity in conditions of chronic anemia, where the plasma's apparent "fluidity" changes, impacting circulation and potentially causing complications like reduced tissue perfusion. The Gilbert fluid theory provides a simplified framework to understand these physiological changes without delving into the complexities of individual molecular interactions.
