The System

A drop of blood...The whole picture

The TEG® analyzer, using a small whole blood sample, produces results that document the interaction of platelets with the protein coagulation cascade from the time of placing the blood in the analyzer until initial fibrin formation (R), clot formation rate and strengthening (<), and fibrin-platelet bonding via GPIIb/IIIa (MA), through eventual clot lysis (LY).

TEG® software displays both qualitatively and quantitatively the two distinct parts of hemostasis - the part that produces the clot and the part that causes the breakdown of the clot. It shows the balance or degree of imbalance in the patient's hemostasis system, highlights any areas of deficiency or excess, and offers a precise view of the patient's hemostasis condition.

If the hemostasis system is not in balance, the TEG® results show where the imbalance lies. Is the enzymatic reaction too fast or too slow, as shown by the R parameter? Is there too much functional fibrinogen, or is the fibrinogen level too low, as depicted by the alpha parameter? Is there too much or too little platelet function, as represented by the MA parameter? The TEG® system, because of its unique ability to measure all phases of hemostasis, is able to produce a profile that shows the net effect of all the interactive, dynamic processes involved in hemostasis, and, as such, can be used effectively for diagnostic, therapeutic, and risk assessment purposes.

The TEG® system measures the clot's physical properties by the use of a cylindrical cup that holds the blood as it oscillates through an angle of approximately 5 degrees The pin is suspended in the blood by a torsion wire and is monitored for motion. The torque of the rotating cup is transmitted to the immersed pin only after fibrin and fibrin-platelet bonding have linked the cup and pin together. The strength and rate of these bonds affect the magnitude of the pin motion such that strong clots move the pin directly in phase with cup motion. As the clot retracts, these bonds are broken and transfer of cup motion is diminished. A mechanical-electrical transducer converts the rotation of the pin into an electrical signal that can be monitored by a computer.

TEG® analytical software

The TEG® 5000 haemostasis system includes the TEG® analytical software. This innovative software delivers the data you need for effective hemostasis management - along with the quality assurance features and flexibility that establish the TEG® 5000 hemostasis system as a powerful tool you can rely on for better patient care.

The software helps you accurately and easily assess risk of both hemorrhage and thrombosis and improve clinical outcomes.

• Extensive test panel, including antiplatelet therapy results
• Overlaid patient waveforms for comparison, including normal waveform
• Software assistance for interpreting results
• Free text notes for samples and cases
• Highlighting of clinical trigger values

Connectivity

• Real-time remote viewing throughout the hospital
• Offline reports via e-mail to PCs, PDAs* and cell phones* through eConsult
• HIS/LIS interface capable through HL7

Reporting capabilities

• Single and multiple sample report for paper output
• Case summary for trend analysist

Quality assurance

• Levy-Jennings trend reporting for normal and abnormal controls
• Password protected access
• Reminders to run control samples and alerts when control samples are out of range
• Capture and reporting of corrective actions
• Calibration and electronics testing with full reporting capability