Abstract: A method carried out by a system configured to analyze blood. The method includes causing a ferromagnetic object to move in a chamber housing blood after clot initiation has been implicated. Movement of the object in the chamber is detected. The detected movement of the object is correlated with clot retraction of the blood. In some embodiments, the stop of detecting movement includes allowing the object to drop from a raised position and detecting a drop distance of the object. In related embodiments, the step of correlating detected movement with clot retraction includes reviewing a trace generated by a plurality of drop distances over time. In yet other embodiments, methods of the present disclosure can further including evaluating platelet function of the blood based upon assessed clot retraction.

Abstract: A method carried out by a system configured to analyze platelet aggregation includes retaining a ferromagnetic object at an elevation of a chamber in which a sample of blood or plasma is disposed. The ferromagnetic object is retained at the elevation for a period of time. The ferromagnetic object is then released from the elevation. The ferromagnetic object minimal position is measured following the release of the ferromagnetic object. The object minimal position may be correlated with amount of platelet aggregation in the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods to analyze blood or other fluid sample. The systems and methods utilize bi-directional magnetic forces to push or pull a magnetic object along a post in a chamber housing the fluid sample both before and after clot initiation has been implicated. The magnetic object can be threadably connected to the post. In other embodiments, the chamber is configured such that the magnetic object does not rotate but only slides along the post. Once a clot has been detected, the washer can be moved either up or down to apply either compressive force or strain within the clot, as desired, to evaluate elastic properties or firmness of the clot.

Abstract: Systems and methods to analyze blood or other fluid sample. The systems and methods utilize bi-directional magnetic forces to push or pull a magnetic object along a post in a chamber housing the fluid sample both before and after clot initiation has been implicated. The magnetic object can be threadably connected to the post. In other embodiments, the chamber is configured such that the magnetic object does not rotate but only slides along the post. Once a clot has been detected, the washer can be moved either up or down to apply either compressive force or strain within the clot, as desired, to evaluate elastic properties or firmness of the clot.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to clotting time tests detect clotting time based on the viscosity changes of a fluid sample, using a disk dropped within a test chamber containing the fluid sample from a disk maximal position to a disk minimal position, which is a point at which the disk settles within the fluid sample. Changes in the disk minimal position as multiple test cycles are conducted are used in assessing formation of a clot within the fluid sample. Methods of assessing such changes in the disk minimal position are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods include evaluation the clotting time or strength of clotting in the presence of various clot-affecting reagents to obtain a profile of clot analysis for determination of bleeding complications. The various reagents may be included in a single cartridge for use in a blood clotting analysis device.

Abstract: Activated clotting time (ACT) tests detect blood clotting time based on the viscosity changes of a test sample, using a ferromagnetic washer lifted to the top of a test chamber and then dropped from the top via gravity; a drop time greater than a preset threshold value indicates clotting of the test sample. Blood samples which have high levels of heparin usually produce very weak clots that may easily be destroyed by the lifting movement of the washer. But if the clot threshold is set low to detect the weak clots, false detections occur during early testing cycles when activators are not fully suspended during the mixing cycle. Improved algorithms for lifting the washer and adjusting over time enable accurate detection of weak clots.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to clotting time tests detect clotting time based on the viscosity changes of a fluid sample, using a disk dropped within a test chamber containing the fluid sample from a disk maximal position to a disk minimal position, which is a point at which the disk settles within the fluid sample. Changes in the disk minimal position as multiple test cycles are conducted are used in assessing formation of a clot within the fluid sample. Methods of assessing such changes in the disk minimal position are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods to analyze blood or other fluid sample. The systems and methods utilize bi-directional magnetic forces to push or pull a magnetic object along a post in a chamber housing the fluid sample both before and after clot initiation has been implicated. The magnetic object can be threadably connected to the post. In other embodiments, the chamber is configured such that the magnetic object does not rotate but only slides along the post. Once a clot has been detected, the washer can be moved either up or down to apply either compressive force or strain within the clot, as desired, to evaluate elastic properties or firmness of the clot.

Abstract: A method carried out by a system configured to analyze blood. The method includes causing a ferromagnetic object to move in a chamber housing blood after clot initiation has been implicated. Movement of the object in the chamber is detected. The detected movement of the object is correlated with clot retraction of the blood. In some embodiments, the stop of detecting movement includes allowing the object to drop from a raised position and detecting a drop distance of the object. In related embodiments, the step of correlating detected movement with clot retraction includes reviewing a trace generated by a plurality of drop distances over time. In yet other embodiments, methods of the present disclosure can further including evaluating platelet function of the blood based upon assessed clot retraction.

Abstract: Activated clotting time (ACT) tests detect blood clotting time based on the viscosity changes of a test sample, using a ferromagnetic washer lifted to the top of a test chamber and then dropped from the top via gravity; a drop time greater than a preset threshold value indicates clotting of the test sample. Blood samples which have high levels of heparin usually produce very weak clots that may easily be destroyed by the lifting movement of the washer. But if the clot threshold is set low to detect the weak clots, false detections occur during early testing cycles when activators are not fully suspended during the mixing cycle. Improved algorithms for lifting the washer and adjusting over time enable accurate detection of weak clots.

Abstract: Activated clotting time (ACT) tests detect blood clotting time based on the viscosity changes of a test sample, using a ferromagnetic washer lifted to the top of a test chamber and then dropped from the top via gravity; a drop time greater than a preset threshold value indicates clotting of the test sample. Blood samples which have high levels of heparin usually produce very weak clots that may easily be destroyed by the lifting movement of the washer. But if the clot threshold is set low to detect the weak clots, false detections occur during early testing cycles when activators are not fully suspended during the mixing cycle. Improved algorithms for lifting the washer and adjusting over time enable accurate detection of weak clots.

Abstract: The invention includes systems, apparatuses and methods to evaluate the strength of clotting in addition to or separate from activated clotting time. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of energy employed to move an object within blood. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of time for fibrinolysis to occur. The strength of clotting may be determined by a system in which a ferromagnetic material is moved within blood.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods include evaluation the clotting time or strength of clotting in the presence of various clot-affecting reagents to obtain a profile of clot analysis for determination of bleeding complications. The various reagents may be included in a single cartridge for use in a blood clotting analysis device.

Abstract: High range activated clotting time (HR-ACT) tests detect blood clotting time in blood samples which have high levels of heparin. Reagents such as calcium chloride and kaolin within the test apparatus trigger clotting. The cartridge is treated with a strong surface treatment process, such as an atmospheric plasma treatment, to increase the hydrophilic property of the test chamber, there may be a significant reduction in the kaolin concentration required to activate the blood sample and initiate the coagulation process. The kaolin concentration may be further reduced if the buffer component used in the buffer saline contains phosphate. The reduction of the kaolin concentration allows more calcium to be released from the kaolin to participate in the clotting process. The combined effect of adding a surface treatment to the cartridge to increase the hydrophilic property of reaction chamber and adding phosphate into buffered saline allows for clot detection of blood samples containing 5˜6 U/mL heparin.

Abstract: The invention includes systems, apparatuses and methods to evaluate the strength of clotting in addition to or separate from activated clotting time. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of energy employed to move an object within blood. The strength of clotting may be correlated with the amount of time for fibrinolysis to occur. The strength of clotting may be determined by a system in which a ferromagnetic material is moved within blood.

Abstract: A system and machine for testing a coagulation process in whole blood and for deriving a result from same.

Abstract: A method of calculating a result of a coagulation process in whole blood and a computer readable medium providing instructions for same.

Abstract: Articles for testing a coagulation process in whole blood.

Abstract: An article for testing a coagulation process in whole blood.