Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Leveraging Turbidity and Thromboelastography for Complementary Clot Characterization
06:28

Leveraging Turbidity and Thromboelastography for Complementary Clot Characterization

Published on: June 4, 2020

6.9K

Thromboelastography in COVID-19 patients: An observational study in the South African context

Bavinash Pillay1, Sarah A van Blydenstein1,2, Shahed Omar3,4

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

African Journal of Laboratory Medicine
|July 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Thromboelastograms show potential as a cost-effective alternative to anti-Xa testing for monitoring low molecular weight heparin in COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed to confirm clinical utility.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is linked to increased venous thromboembolism risk.
  • Monitoring low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is crucial but often relies on costly and inaccessible anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) tests.
  • Thromboelastography offers a potential point-of-care alternative, yet its performance against anti-Xa in COVID-19 patients is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the correlation between thromboelastogram parameters and anti-Xa levels in COVID-19 patients receiving LMWH.
  • To assess the potential of thromboelastography as a viable alternative to anti-Xa monitoring.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 42 COVID-19 patients receiving LMWH.
  • Blood samples analyzed using thromboelastogram (measuring R-time, K-time, and coagulation index) and anti-Xa assays.
  • Samples collected at three time points relative to LMWH administration.

Main Results:

  • Statistically significant correlations were observed between anti-Xa levels and thromboelastogram parameters.
  • Moderate correlation found between anti-Xa and R-time (rs=0.52, p=0.002).
  • Low to moderate correlations noted between anti-Xa and thromboelastogram coagulation index (rs=0.43, p=0.014) and K-time (rs=0.35, p=0.049).

Conclusions:

  • Thromboelastogram parameters (coagulation index, R-time, K-time) are significantly associated with anti-Xa levels in COVID-19 patients on LMWH.
  • Thromboelastography may offer a more accessible and cost-effective monitoring method.
  • Further research with larger cohorts and diverse disease profiles is warranted to confirm clinical utility.
Abstract

Keywords:
coagulopathycoronavirus disease 2019heparinlow molecular weight heparinthromboelastogramviscoelastic methods

More Related Videos

In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices09:15

In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices

Published on: March 21, 2025

792
Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia08:05

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia

Published on: December 19, 2020

14.3K

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
46
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
41
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
50
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
25
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
26
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
45