TEG^® Hemostasis Analyzer
 

TEG technology is consistent with recent advances in the understanding of hemostasis by analyzing the functional activities of the cellular elements, such as platelet cytoplasmic granules and platelet surfaces, in conjunction with plasma components. Because the TEG analyzer monitors the shear elasticity of clotting blood, a physical property, the TEG analyzer is sensitive to all the interacting cellular and plasmatic components such as coagulation and fibrinolytic factors, activators, and inhibitors that may effect the rate or structure of a clotting sample and its breakdown.

The TEG analyzer measures the mechanical properties of the developing clot:
 

• The time until initial fibrin formation.

• The kinetics of the initial fibrin clot to reach maximum strength.

• The ultimate strength and stability of the fibrin clot and therefore its ability to do the work of hemostasis -- to mechanically impede hemorrhage without permitting inappropriate thrombosis.

Specifications subject to modification due to technical advances.

TEG® analyzer technology

The TEG® analyzer has a sample cup that oscillates back and forth constantly at a set speed through an arc of 4°45'. Each rotation lasts ten seconds. A whole blood sample of 360 ul is placed into the cup, and a stationary pin attached to a torsion wire is immersed into the blood. When the first fibrin forms, it begins to bind the cup and pin, causing the pin to oscillate in phase with the clot. The acceleration of the movement of the pin is a function of the kinetics of clot development.

The torque of the rotating cup is transmitted to the immersed pin only after fibrin-platelet bonding has linked the cup and pin together. The strength of these fibrin-platelet bonds affects the magnitude of the pin motion, such that strong clots move the pin directly in phase with the cup motion. Thus, the magnitude of the output is directly related to the strength of the formed clot. As the clot retracts or lyses, these bonds are broken and the transfer of cup motion is diminished. The rotation movement of the pin is converted by a mechanical-electrical transducer to an electrical signal which can be monitored by a computer.