The method of in vivo evaluation of hemostasis: Spatial thrombodynamics

AbstractBackgroundCoagulation is a cascade of reactions that eventually leads to formation of thrombin and fibrin. The two most frequently used tests to describe the coagulation system are activated partial thromboplastin time and international normalized ratio. Both tests are performed in vitro by mixing coagulation factors and measuring the time until the clot forms, but neither represents the biology of coagulation in vivo.ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic potential of thrombodynamics.MethodsPublications from potentially relevant journals were searched in Medline and by hand.Results and discussionIn the spatial clot growth assay, hypercoagulability was characterized by quantitative and qualitative changes. It identified hypercoagulation in rats with induced microvascular thrombosis. The method was used to study coagulation in hemophilia after inhibition of tissue factor pathway inhibitor. It may be used in platelet-free, platelet-poor, and platelet-rich plasma. In a small study the assay was able to pr...