The TEG^® vs the ROTEM^® thromboelastography/thromboelastometry systems

Abstract

SummaryWe have evaluated the TEG Ò thromboelastograph and the ROTEM Ò thromboelastometer, two point-of-care devices that measure blood coagulation. During a one-week period, seven consultant anaesthetists, one consultant haematologist, one associate specialist anaesthetist and two senior trainee anaesthetists were trained by the manufacturers and set up, calibrated and used both systems, after which their views were obtained and specific technical/support information was sought from the manufacturers using a questionnaire. Although the devices shared common features, they differed in complexity and aspects of ease of use, and in their purchase and running costs. Figure 1 The TEG Ò thromboelastography system. Two units are shown on the right of the separate (but connected) laptop computer, each with two sampling channels.

Viscoelastic point-of-care testing to assist with the diagnosis, management and monitoring of haemostasis: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis

“…The summary of the opinions of study participants suggested that the TEG training programme was preferred, and that better service support was provided for this device. 133 However, this is a very small study 133 and may not be reflective of current experience in the NHS.…”

“…132 Based on these findings, it would seem that staff training requirements are likely to be an important consideration for the implementation of these devices. A UK study, 133 published in 2009, compared users' experience of TEG and ROTEM over a 1-week period; the study 133 included seven consultant anaesthetists, one consultant haematologist, one associate specialist anaesthetist and two senior trainee anaesthetists, all of whom were trained by the manufacturers. The summary of the opinions of study participants suggested that the TEG training programme was preferred, and that better service support was provided for this device.…”

The simultaneous occurrence of both hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis in blood and serum during systemic inflammation, and the roles of iron and fibrin(ogen)

“…We show how this provides insight into hypofibrinolysis associated with inflammation (6) and how fibrinogen packaging (7) is changed during inflammation. Here we also discuss various substances and molecules (8) that may influence clot structure and also the relationship between hypercoagulability and fibrosis (9 106,109,[112][113][114][120][121][122][123][124] to the effect that results can be reasonably comparable in some circumstances but for detailed studies of specific effects it is probably wise to standardise on a particular instrument or technique.…”

Experimental immunology Complex function of magnesium in blood clot formation and lysis

“…However, it cannot measure clotting parameters longer than 180 minutes [17,23,24]. Therefore, we have also measured plasma and blood clotting using different methods.…”