[Using thromboelastography to measure coagulation following massive blood loss]

Abstract

Thromboelastography is becoming increasingly important for diagnosing coagulation disorders in patients with massive blood loss. This whole-blood measurement provides information about the speed of clot formation, clot strength, and degree of fibrinolysis. The result can be used as a basis for making a faster and better choice of a suitable blood product for the patient with severe blood loss. This technique can be carried out simply and quickly as a rapid test ('point-of-care test') or in a central laboratory. Use of thromboelastography in patients undergoing cardiac surgery results in reduced use of blood products and is proven to be cost effective. A reduction in the use of blood products was also seen in trauma patients and patients undergoing liver transplantation when this technique was used. Studies on other groups of patients with massive blood loss are being conducted at the moment.