Response of the VCMVet viscoelastic coagulation monitor to veterinary environmental simulation challenges

Abstract

Background Traditional viscoelastic clotting tests are significantly impacted by the operator and environmental variation. The VCMVet coagulation monitor could provide a more user‐friendly alternative for veterinary practices. Objectives We aimed to determine if environmental vibration commonly encountered in veterinary practice alters the results of a point‐of‐care viscoelastic device, the VCMVet. Methods Nine fresh whole blood samples from healthy dogs were evaluated simultaneously using VCMVet instruments under four environmental conditions: (normal) alone and undisturbed on a raised tabletop, (centrifuge) on a countertop 6 inches from a centrifuge that operated at 12 000 rpm for 10 minutes every 20 minutes, (workspace) on a tabletop workspace in proximity to two heavy‐use computers, and (gurney) on a rolling gurney at a walking pace for 10 minutes every 20 minutes. Results were compared between conditions using a Friedman test, and if this was significant (P‐value < .05), it was followed by a Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Results Analysis of samples on a rolling gurney created obvious movement artifacts, and this condition was excluded from statistical analysis. The centrifuge condition resulted in a significantly higher alpha angle (median 49 degrees, interquartile range 4) than the normal condition (median 46 degrees, interquartile range 5, P = .0078). Other viscoelastic parameters were not significantly different between the normal, centrifuge, and workspace conditions. Conclusions The VCMVet is suitable for use in a busy veterinary environment but should be protected from vibration. The instrument does not produce reliable results when operated on a moving gurney, and it should be stationary during sample analysis.

Demonstration of hyperfibrinolysis on the VCM Vet in a dog with Angiostrongylus vasorum

“…The VCM Vet aims to eliminate the pre-analytical error noted in TEG and ROTEM by using whole blood without additional reagents, 8 and has been shown to perform well in the clinical setting. 9 To date, hyperfibrinolysis has not been demonstrated using the VCM Vet in patients with naturally occurring A. vasorum infection. The aim of this communication was to describe hyperfibrinolysis in A. vasorum using the VCM Vet, and demonstrating its resolution following the use of a lysine ana-…”

“…The Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM Vet) correlates well with ROTEM 6 and TEG, 7 providing an alternative bedside global assessment of haemostasis. The VCM Vet aims to eliminate the pre‐analytical error noted in TEG and ROTEM by using whole blood without additional reagents, 8 and has been shown to perform well in the clinical setting 9 …”