Sun21November0420PM 11

Regarding thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM):

True / False

Full results are produced within 15 minutes of starting Correct

Are unsuitable for near-patient testing Correct

A sample of whole blood is analysed Correct

May miss coagulopathy due to hypothermia Incorrect answer selected

Provide a reliable measure of platelet function Incorrect answer selected

Explanation

Thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) are similar technologies, with subtle differences, that are already widely used in anaesthesia for near-patient testing. Both machines are roughly the size of a desktop PC and simple to use with training. They both provide a graphical measure of clot firmness during a 60 minute test.

A whole blood sample is usually heated to 37°C (although with ROTEM, this is only while the bottle is kept in the warming well on the plate), and this may not demonstrate in-vivo coagulopathy due to hypothermia. The graph is produced in real time, and useful information can be gleaned fairly quickly (although it takes 60 minutes to complete the test and gain all of the available information).

A basic TEG or ROTEM does not give an accurate assessment of platelet function as it may miss the effects of pharmacological inhibition. An extension of this technology such as multiplate analysis can give information on platelet function.

Answer Statistics

Not enough data to display the statistics

Average score: 74.60%

Times answered: 274