State-of-the-art single channel coagulation analyzer
Coagulation, also known as clotting, is the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. It potentially results in hemostasis, the cessation of blood loss from a damaged vessel, followed by repair. The mechanism of coagulation involves activation, adhesion and aggregation of platelets, as well as deposition and maturation of fibrin.
A machine that enables the testing of blood samples for the blood clotting properties in the individual is a Coagulation Analyzer. Clotting of blood is one of the most important properties. When an individual is hurt, the clotting kicks in to stamp the blood flow by converting it into a gel. In the case of the excessive or insufficient amount of clotting, it can be extremely harmful. Therefore, a need for a coagulation analyzer was recognized to find relevant anomalies and enable quick treatment for the same.
Traditionally, coagulation tests were performed manually and were highly limited in terms of type of tests, accuracy and standardization of results, traceability of results, impact of manual errors etc. Over time, the systems have evolved from almost manual to the automated stage going with the need for higher accuracy, test menu, reproducibility and traceability. One of the best instruments for the testing is thesemi-automated coagulation analyzer.Let’s see how it works.
The most modern technology available for coagulation analyzers or coagulometers today is the photo-optical detection technology. Consequently, coagulometers or coagulation analyzers that work based on photo-optical detection principles should be the most ideal option for a lab to go for. In this technology, in contrast to a traditional analyzer that utilized magnetic bars with optics to detect clots, this analyzer uses a photo optic method that involves the detection of clots photometrically without the use of magnetic bars.
The coagulation test is performed to calculate factors which are the certain proteins in the blood responsible for the formation of a clot. A person having abnormal coagulation test results might be suffering from Thrombohillia (an excessive amount of clotting and high calculated factor), or Hemophilia (an excessive amount of bleeding and low calculated factor).
There are two most important coagulation screening tests PT and aPTT. This is based on two different pathways of coagulation intrinsic (aPTT test to measure) and extrinsic (PT test to measure). These tests are to be carried out within four hours of sample procurement. It requires a plasma sample in sodium citrate tubes. All these factors imply the need to offer the test near to the patient itself. Especially as the sample is not stable for long, tests need to be performed soon after sample collection.
In the coagulation testing, PT and aPTT tests are carried out simultaneously to check for bleeding problems or the chances one might have of having too much bleeding during an upcoming surgery. This is usually carried out in hospitals before surgery, to check for liver disease and clotting disorders. In nursing homes, this test is carried out before any surgery. In labs, this test is used as an anticoagulant therapy. The ideal values of aPTT and PT are 25-40 secs and 11-16 secs respectively.
Whenever the diagnosis of the coagulation system in an individual is done, the first thing to do is carry out a thorough physical examination and then a review of the medical history. Only after a check on all possible symptoms followed by a blood test, it can be deemed a positive diagnosis. Apart from the blood test, there are other tools that contribute to analyzing the condition of the patient.
But the only way to properly and accurately diagnose a coagulation system disorder is through a blood test which determines the following readings – PT (Prothrombin Time), APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) as well as other factor assays etc.
Following the blood test, other testing tools like MRI and CT can also be used to study the current condition of the affected area and analyze the depth of the issue to prepare a proper treatment plan.
When looking to carry out a test, the sample quality and how well it is extracted from an individual is indeed important to take note of. But the fact that the instrument where this sample is supplied must also be of the best quality is a sure derivation. After all the better the coagulation analyzer machine is, the more accurate results it is likely to deliver.
New models and instruments for testing are now available which are state of the art coagulation analyzers and must be considered. While buying a coagulation analyzer there are factors to look for:
1. Types of tests it can carry out – Look for one which can at least perform PT, APTT and Ddimer – These are the most common assays required to be performed.
2. Throughput or capacity – While one channel is more than sufficient for almost all laboratories, especially those running over 50-60 tests a day might consider double or four channel coagulation systems.
3. Accuracy – The incubator temperature accuracy, the automatic optical start function etc should be considered while choosing an ideal coagulation analyzer.
4. Incubation positions – It is critical for accuracy in coagulation assays that the reagent as well as sample temperatures are incubated @ 37 degrees celsius before testing is performed. Hence one must ensure that the coagulation analyzer has sufficient sample incubation positions, and at least 3 reagent incubation positions so that the PT and APTT reagents can be warmed together.
5. Reaction volume – The smaller the reaction volume, lower are the running costs – Go for as low as possible, typically 75 ul of reaction volume offers best economy.
6. Pipette handling – Having a machine not requiring an attached dedicated pipette is an obviously better option.
7. User-friendliness with touch screen functionality in a coagulation system is a clear benefit.
There are many different models in the market and you must look at the lists of tests and their features before deciding on the one that suits the needs of your labs. A small-scale coagulation analyzer is the best choice for labs taking up mostly routine tests and only specific specialty tests. For large labs and central testing centers only, large-scale coagulation analyzers are the best choice.
Medsource Ozone has been following and contributing to the tremendous advances of the industry for a long time now and now offer state-of-the-art machinery for coagulation. This is evident with the best collection of the latest supplied for the use of numerous hospitals, nursing homes, and laboratories for blood clot testing.
The instruments offered are truly best in class based on Latest clot detection technology, ultralow reagent usage, Touch screen interface, Automatic optical start, LED technology, large number of incubation positions for samples and reagents, choice of 1/2 or 4 channels, no magnetic bars or moving parts, wide menu of reagent compatibility and other host of features.
In the end, the Ozoclot analyzers have stood up to its name and provided the best quality results for efficient decision-making at the time of need in hospitals and nursing homes especially in the cases before surgeries. With Medsource Ozone putting all efforts into enabling prompt and quality delivery and acceptance to the labs and clinics, this analyzer is a great and consistent choice.