Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyser.

Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diagnostic composition for use in the viscoelastic analysis of a test liquid, and to a container (1) comprising same. The composition comprises at least an activator of coagulation, and, optionally CaCl2 an optionally, one or more inhibitors and/or coagulation components, wherein the composition is present as an essentially dry mixture of all constituents and in an amount sufficient for performing one single viscoelastic analysis of a specified blood or plasma sample. The present invention is further directed to a method of performing a viscoelastic analysis on a test liquid, and to the use of the diagnostic composition in such a method.

Abstract: To increase the adhesion strength of coagulated blood on a surface by increasing the surface interaction of blood-inherent components like fibrin/fibrinogen and thrombocytes it is described to treat the surface by exposing it to ionized atoms or molecules. The surface treatment according to the invention is applied on plastic disposables used in blood diagnostics (e.g. hemostasis analysis) as well as medical implants like artery sealings. The improved blood clot adhesion results in higher diagnostic security due to reduced measurement failure (e.g., for patients with increased thrombocyte content) and in better significance of special tests (e.g., hyperfibrinolysis diagnosis).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit and a method for a fast and direct determination of the coagulation potential of a sample of blood or plasma utilising a thrombin substrate. The kit comprises at least one activator of the plasmatic coagulation system and a thrombin substrate with a KM preferably less than or equal to 200 ?M in a relatively low concentration with respect to the sample whereby the substrate is wholly consumed within 5 to 600 seconds. Observations are made leading to a determination of the maximum rate of substrate consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge device (20) comprising a receiving portion (10) for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion (18) for receiving a plug (22); a stirring device (19) for circulating said blood sample within said receiving portion (10); and an electrode holder (14) having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair (16; 24; 25; 26); wherein the electrode holder (14) is attachable to the cell (9) such that one end (16a; 24a; 25a; 26a) of the at least one electrode wire pair (16; 24; 25; 26) forms a sensor unit (17a; 17b; 17c; 17d) for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair (16; 24; 25; 26) within the blood sample and that the opposite end (16b; 24b; 25b; 26b) of the at least one electrode wire pair (16; 24; 25; 26) forms a plug portion (21a; 21b; 21c; 21d) being connectable directly to the plug (22) for an electrical connection of the sensor unit (17a; 17b; 17c; 17d) to an analyser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kit and a method for a fast and direct determination of the coagulation potential of a sample of blood or plasma utilising a thrombin substrate. The kit comprises at least one activator of the plasmatic substrate with a KM preferably coagulation system and a thrombin less than or equal to 200 ?M in a relatively low concentration with respect to the sample whereby the substrate is wholly consumed within 5 to 600 seconds. Observations are made leading to a determination of the maximum rate of substrate consumption.

Abstract: To increase the adhesion strength of coagulated blood on a surface by increasing the surface interaction of blood-inherent components like fibrin/fibrinogen and thrombocytes it is described to treat the surface by exposing it to ionized atoms or molecules. The surface treatment according to the invention is applied on plastic disposables used in blood diagnostics (e.g. haemostasis analysis) as well as medical implants like artery sealings. The improved blood clot adhesion results in higher diagnostic security due to reduced measurement failure (e.g., for patients with increased thrombocyte content) and in better significance of special tests (e.g., hyperfibrinolysis diagnosis).

Abstract: A hematological assay is described in which the blood coagulation potential of a body fluid is assessed by reacting a sample of the body fluid with an amount of an activator reagent comprising: (a) a predetermined amount of factor Xa or a hematologically equivalent mutant thereof, and (b) a predetermined amount of factor Va, a hematologically equivalent mutant thereof or an enzyme activating endogenous factor V, (c) (optionally) phospholipids. The reagent may be dry (e.g. lyophilised) or in an aqueous solution preferably buffered to a pH from 6 to 10 (preferably 7 to 8), if desired incubating, if necessary inducing coagulation by the addition of one or more coagulation accelerants such as calcium chloride, and establishing a value indicative of the coagulation potential, e.g. by measuring the time to clotting on an optical coagulometer or through use of a chromogenic substrate. It is preferred to use at (b) factor V activator from purified Russell's Viper venom (RVV-V).

Abstract: A hematological assay is described in which the blood coagulation potential of a body fluid is assessed by reacting a sample of the body fluid with an amount of an activator reagent comprising: (a) a predetermined amount of factor Xa or a hematologically equivalent mutant thereof, and (b) a predetermined amount of factor Va, a hematologically equivalent mutant thereof or an enzyme activating endogenous factor V, (c) (optionally) phospholipids. The reagent may be dry (e.g. lyophilised) or in an aqueous solution preferably buffered to a pH from 6 to 10 (preferably 7 to 8), if desired incubating, if necessary inducing coagulation by the addition of one or more coagulation accelerants such as calcium chloride, and establishing a value indicative of the coagulation potential, e.g. by measuring the time to clotting on an optical coagulometer or through use of a chromogenic substrate. It is preferred to use at (b) factor V activator from purified Russell's Viper venom (RVV-V).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the coagulation characteristics of test liquids, in particular of blood samples, is provided. The apparatus comprises a plate (2, 20) with a bearing (3, 23) arranged in the plate (2, 20) and having an axis of symmetry which is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate. A shaft (1, 24) has a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate and is connected with the bearing (3, 23). The first end of the shaft is located on one side of the plate (2, 20) and the second end of the shaft is located on the opposite side of the plate (2, 20). The apparatus further comprises means for sensing the rotational movement of the shaft (1, 24). A stem (29) is provided at the second end of the shaft (1, 24). A cup (40) serves for receiving the liquid. The inner contour of the cup is larger than the outer contour of the stem (29). The cup receives at least part of the stem.