Indications: i n contrast to conventional coagulation tests such as the PT/INR and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) which assay only clot formation time in a plasma environment, thromboelastography (TEG) assesses overall hemostasis, the cumulative effects of procoagulant and anticoagulant proteins, fibrinogen, platelets, and red blood cells (1).
Measurements: component measurements of the TEG reflect specific phases of clot formation (1): - The reaction (R)-time reflects the latency of activation of the coagulation cascade, and correlates with the PT/INR and aPTT.
- The kinetic (K)-time reflects the rate of initial clot formation, and is proportional to fibrinogen concentrations and platelet count, as is the alpha-angle, which describes the rate of fibrin formation and crosslinking.
- The maximum amplitude (MA) reflects maximal clot strength, the culmination of all constituents of the clotting cascade.
References: - Minimal effects of acute liver injury/acute liver failure on hemostasis as assessed by thromboelastography. Journal of Hepatology. 2012;56:129–136.
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