5 things to eye ball on TEG (Thromboelastogram)
Please also see our previous pearl What is TEG
Read with diagram below along with normal values
r - reaction time - from start of test to initial clot formation. Prolonged with clotting factor deficiencies and heparin.
a - Ang or alpha angle - it assesses rate of clot formation and decreased in the presence of clotting factor deficiencies, platelet dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, and hypofibrinogenaemia.
K - is a measure of time from beginning of clot formation until the amplitude of thromboelastogram reaches 20 mm, and represents the dynamics of clot formation.
MA - maximum amplitude - the widest point of the traceing on vertical or Y-axis . It represents maximum clot strength and is reduced with platelet dysfunction.
LY 30 or lysis 30 - is the percentage decrease in amplitude 30 min after MA, measures the degree of fibrinolysis. (see bending curves in b below)
References: click to get abstract / article
1. Thromboelastography / Thromboelastometry (pdf file) (ref: Clin. Lab. Haem. 2005, 27, 81–90)
2. Management of coagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass (pdf file) (ref: Continuing Education in Anaesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Volume 7 Number 6 2007)
