Abstract: A coagulation test for determining the activated clotting time (ACT) of blood in the presence of heparin that produces test results that are substantially insensitive to the drug aprotinin. The activator is formulated to be a combination of celite and bentonite. The ACT results obtained with this formulation are similar to celite ACT tests on heparinized blood while simultaneously being unaffected by aprotinin. Additionally, a method for quantifying the aprotinin effect of different ACT formulations is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is The method of in vitro testing of the state of the blood coagulation system. The Accelerated Whole Blood Clotting Time (A. W. B. C. T.) reflects the degree of over or under activity of the coagulation system of the blood.

Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzer, such as the Thrombelastograph® (TEG®) blood coagulation analyzer is utilized to measure continuously in real time, the clotting process from the initial fibrin formation, through platelet-fibrin interaction and lysis to generate blood coagulation parameters. The measured blood coagulation parameters permit confirmation of the attainment of therapeutic level of GPIIb/IIIa receptor blockade; individualized dosing assessment to evaluate attainment of adequate GPIIb/IIIa receptor blockade; individualized dosing assessment required to reach adequate GPIIb/IIIa receptor blockade; illustration of the rate of diminishment of platelet inhibition or inhibition recovery after treatment with platelet-inhibition drugs; evaluation of the interaction effect of a combination of thrombolytic or any other agents or conditions effecting hemostasis and platelet-inhibiting agents on patient hemostasis.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for diagnostic data collection and transmission are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting blood clotting. In general, the methods include adding corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) to blood or a blood product in an amount sufficient to inhibit the clotting. The CTI can be used alone or in combination with other anti-coagulants. In one aspect, the invention features plasma clotting assays featuring substantially prolonged clotting times. Clotting assays using whole or minimally altered blood are also provided. Further provided are methods for storing blood or blood products at low temperature with the CTI.

Abstract: A method and device for testing a sample of fresh whole blood. In particular the present invention provides a method and device for testing a sample of fresh whole blood to determine whether a patient would benefit from the administration of a blood factor (such as AT III.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring hemostasis. The apparatus includes a torque sensing column having a torque sensing element and a drive ring disposed around a body of the column and in registration with the column so as to allow rotation of the drive ring around a longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus further includes a first guide shaft rigidly secured to the drive ring, the guide shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column and a cup holder movably attached to the guide shaft, allowing the cup holder to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus also includes a sample cup adapted to engage the cup holder on a outer surface and the torque sensing element of the torque sensing column on an inner surface.

Abstract: A method which may be used to determine haemostatic dysfunction in a patient is carried out by (a) adding a reagent to a test sample, wherein the test sample includes at least a component of a blood sample from a patient; and then (b) measuring the formation of a precipitate due to the reaction of the test sample and the reagent, over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile, the reagent forming a precipitate in the test sample without causing substantial fibrin polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of carrying out blood tests. The invention is based on the finding that clinico-chemical blood parameters can be determined using not only blood serum but also blood plasma. Therefore, freshly taken blood samples, which are mixed with at least one thrombin inhibitor, can be used for determining both clinico-chemical parameters and hematological parameters. The clinico-chemical parameters can thus be determined using blood plasma, a separation of coagulable components being not required any more.

Abstract: An anticoagulant for blood cell counting containing at least two kinds of the following antiplatelet agents: theophyllines, adenosines and dipyridamoles. The anticoagulant also contains citric acid, an alkali metal salt thereof or a mixture of citric acid and an alkali metal salt thereof.

Abstract: An activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test is described which employs fresh, whole blood that has not been anticoagulated. The method employs a disposable cuvette having specific reagents placed therein. A sample of whole blood is introduced into the cuvette which is drawn into at least one conduit by a pneumatic pump. Initially, the calcium in the sample is chelated at a first reaction site in the conduit, and thereafter is moved through the conduit to a second reaction site where the sample is coagulated by an APTT reagent. After a predetermined incubation time, the sample is moved to a third reaction site where it is recalcified. Clotting time is measured from the time that the sample is recalcified to the time that clot formation is visibly detected.

Abstract: A method which may be used to determine haemostatic dysfunction in a patient is carried out by (a) adding a reagent to a test sample, wherein the test sample includes at least a component of a blood sample from a patient; and then (b) measuring the formation of a precipitate due to the reaction of the test sample and the reagent, over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile, the reagent forming a precipitate in the test sample without causing substantial fibrin polymerization.

Abstract: A medical system for monitoring a measured value of a patient characterizing blood clotting and/or for setting a medication that influences blood clotting for a patient in a home environment, has a device for acquiring measured values of the patient relating to blood clotting, a device for transmitting the measured values to a system central, a device for interrogating the measured values, and a reception device at a monitoring person. The system central has a memory for the measured values, an analysis device for the measured values by comparing the measured values to stored reference values, an alarm generator which generates an alarm signal upon a recognition of predetermined conditions, and a routing device for forwarding the alarm signal to a reception device of a person to be alerted in a process chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting blood clotting. In general, the methods include adding corn trypsin inhibitor (CTI) to blood or a blood product in an amount sufficient to inhibit the clotting. The CTI can be used alone or in combination with other anti-coagulants. In one aspect, the invention features plasma clotting assays featuring substantially prolonged clotting times. Clotting assays using whole or minimally altered blood are also provided. Further provided are methods for storing blood or blood products at low temperature with the CTI.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring hemostasis. The apparatus includes a torque sensing column having a torque sensing element and a drive ring disposed around a body of the column and in registration with the column so as to allow rotation of the drive ring around a longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus further includes a first guide shaft rigidly secured to the drive ring, the guide shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column and a cup holder movably attached to the guide shaft, allowing the cup holder to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus also includes a sample cup adapted to engage the cup holder on a outer surface and the torque sensing element of the torque sensing column on an inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the coagulation propensity of blood wherein a condition in a portion of a blood sample is assessed and related to the onset of coagulation. Apparatus for performing the method is encompassed by the invention.

Abstract: In a method for measuring in vivo coagulation rate, a fold of organic tissues is clamped so that a target blood vessel contained in the organic tissues is closed at a downstream point and an upstream point spaced from one another. Waveform energy is then directed through the clamped organic tissues. Waveform energy transmitted at least partially through the organic tissues is analyzed to determine a state of coagulation of blood trapped in the blood vessel between the downstream point and upstream point.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-use electronic device and test card for use therein which performs a coagulation or lysis assay of a blood sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area and means for receiving the sample through the housing into the interior space. A non-porous substrate is positioned within the interior space for receiving the sample thereon. A reagent accelerates the coagulation of the sample and is positioned on the substrate and in contact with the sample. Optionally, an electroactive species may also be reacted with the sample. The device also includes means for measuring the viscosity of the sample and generating an electrical signal which correlates to a curve of the coagulation/lysis assay.

Abstract: An aggregometer which is economical and accurate is provided. The aggregometer includes a disposable test cell having two electrode tips. Adjacent parallel planar surfaces of the electrode tips define a channel which is substantially parallel to a flow direction of the sample prior to entering the channel. Also provided is a method for analyzing platelet aggregation by measuring electrical impedance in a sample using the aggregometer.

Abstract: This invention involves a method of analyzing a body fluid such as blood from a patient to determine whether or not there is a significant difference or change in the comparative determinants of viscosity in the body fluid sample, the comparative determinants being derived using a probe which provides increased sensitivity and corresponding improved relative viscosity values when used together with a suitable viscosity device, in order to identify the presence or incipiency of a symptomatic or asymptomatic pathology caused by or leading to said differences or changes in viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for creating and testing arterial and venous thrombotic conditions. The invention includes a tube which is inserted into a blood vessel of an animal. The tube contains one or more strands upon which various materials, such as procoagulants and anticoagulants may be placed. Blood flows through the tube and clots form on the threads. After the completion of the test, the tube is removed from the animal, the strands are removed from the tube and the clots may be measured and weighed. In a preferred embodiment, a flowmeter may be connected to the blood vessel to measure the blood flow so that the clot measurements may be correlated with the blood flow.

Abstract: A method of analyzing samples of whole blood from a patient is disclosed which involves determining whether or not there is a significant difference or change in the comparative determinants of hypercoagulability in the sample. The comparative determinants are derived using two or more different detection systems, or two or more components of a single detection system, especially two or more probes, which provide variable force-induced energy inputs to the samples being measured in order to identify the presence of incipiency of a symptomatic or asymptomatic pathology caused by, or leading to, differences or changes in hypercoagulability.