The impedance machine: a new bedside coagulation recording device

A new continuously recording bedside coagulation screening device is described. The instrument, called an empedance machine, functions by measuring the changing mechanical impedance exerted on a minutely vibrating probe by the progressing fibrin formation of the specimen to be analyzed. The impedance machine works with 0.04-0.4 ml both of whole blood or plasma. During the recordings, the clotting process can be observed in the specimens which are transilluminated. The rugged machine is extremely simple to handle. The two parts which come in contact with blood are disposable. Various examples (recordings) for clinical and experimental applicaton are given and discussed.