What is hemostasis?
One definition of normal hemostasis is provided by Laposata et
al., where he says, "Normal hemostasis is the capability of the
hemostatic system to control activation of clot formation and clot lysis
in order to prevent hemorrhage without causing thrombosis." This basic
definition of normal hemostasis shows that:
- There are two systems involved simultaneously in hemostasis: the
procoagulant system and the fibrinolytic system.
- The presence or absence of hemorrhage or thrombosis depends on a
delicate balance between the procoagulant system and the fibrinolytic
system. Excess of procoagulants will result in thrombosis; too much
activation of the fibrinolytic system will result in hemorrhage.
- Any system that measures hemostasis without measuring the delicate
balance between the two systems is not able to provide accurate
information on patient hemostasis and, in fact, may provide misleading
information.
The complexity in hemostasis
Hemostasis is a dynamic, extremely complex process, involving many
interacting factors, which include coagulation and fibrinolytic
proteins, activators, inhibitors and cellular elements such as platelet
cytoskeleton, platelet cytoplasmic granules, and platelet cell surfaces.
As a result, during activation, no factor remains static or works in
isolation. The standard laboratory tests are isolated plasma tests that
ignore the role of platelets in patient hemostasis and their
interaction with coagulation protein at a particular point in time.
Balance is everything…
Envision the delicate balanceThe TEG® system provides a complete
picture of all phases of patient hemostasis, right at the point of care.
This "total picture" of all phases of hemostasis - the prothrombotic
and the hemorrhagic -- displays the balance or degree of imbalance in
the hemostasis system, highlights any areas of deficiency or excess,
and offers a precise view of the hemostasis landscape. The TEG®
system delivers an analysis that is far more comprehensive and complete
than isolated, static conventional tests can provide. The result?
Faster, more well-informed and accurate diagnoses, more effective
treatment, improved clinical outcomes, and superior patient care, with
more appropriate, targeted use of blood products and pharmaceuticals.
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