Abstract: An analytical method of qualitative and optionally quantitative determination of the occurrence of polymerization/coagulation in a fluid containing polymerizable/coagulable components is described. The method comprises the steps of directing incident beams of electromagnetic radiation through a transparent support on which a film of electrically conducting material is placed, to the back of the film, at angles equal to or greater than the critical angle for total reflection, and measuring changes in the reflected beams due to changes in the surface plasmon resonance angle. Repeated measurements are correlated to the occurrence and magnitude of changes with qualitative and optionally quantitative occurrence of polymerization/coagulation in the fluid. The analytical method is not volume dependent since only one (small) surface of the measuring instrument needs to be in contact with the fluid. Further, the method can also be applied to poorly transparent fluids such as blood.

Abstract: A method of anti-coagulating a blood, blood plasma or synovial fluid product comprising addition to the product iso-citrate is described. The method may further comprise adjustment of the calcium ion activity of the anti-coagulated product to physiological levels with a soluble calcium salt. Blood, blood plasma or synovial fluid products containing an anti-coagulating amount of anti-coagulant comprising iso-citrate, and optionally citrate, is disclosed. These anti-coagulated products are used for transport and storage of the products and/or for analysis of hemostatic or coagulative properties of the products. Additionally, blood sampling containers comprising isotonic or slightly hypertonic solutions of iso-citrate, and blood sampling containers comprising a solution of 0.1-0.5 M iso-citrate in one tenth of the container volume, and optionally an effective amount of calcium chloride resulting in a calcium ion activity of approximately 1 mM, are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of analyzing coagulative, fibrinolytic or haemostatic activity in, especially, blood or plasma from mammals, particularly humans. The method comprises bringing a sample, in vitro, into contact with fixed and preferably from their growth support detached endothelial cells or outer membranes of such cells, and detecting the resulting coagulated material and, in some cases, lyzed coagulated material. Reagents are also described that are based on the endothelial cells and their outer membranes. A kit for performing such a method including the claimed reagent is also described.