This paper reports on the rheological characterization of long-term degrading hydrogel slabs using a rotational rheometer. A rheological methodology was developed and validated using hydrogel slabs made of cross-linked methacrylated dextran. The method was based on the identification of the optimal amount of compression of the hydrogel slabs between the plates of the geometry, needed for reliable G measurements. A G plateau (Gp[prime] align=middle/) could be identified for each hydrogel slab as ...