[Functional haemostatic tests are fast and reliable by transfusion demanding bleeding]

Area of Science:

• Coagulation Science
• Haemostasis Research
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Context:

• Viscoelastic haemostatic tests (VHT) such as thrombelastography (TEG) and rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) are cell-based whole blood assays.
• These tests evaluate the viscoelastic properties of blood coagulation.
• Understanding these properties is crucial for managing bleeding disorders and surgical haemostasis.

Purpose:

• To review the methodology and interpretation of TEG and ROTEM results.
• To discuss current clinical applications and limitations of VHT.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of viscoelastic haemostatic testing.

Summary:

• TEG and ROTEM assess coagulation by measuring viscoelastic changes in whole blood.
• The review details the techniques, result interpretation, and clinical uses of these point-of-care assays.
• VHT provide a rapid and comprehensive view of haemostatic function.

Impact:

• VHT are inexpensive, point-of-care tools for assessing haemostatic function.
• They facilitate faster and more focused interventions than traditional coagulation tests.
• This leads to improved patient management in critical care and surgical settings.