The Sonoclot: A New Thrombokinetic Coagulation Instrument
A new coagulation instrument (Sonoclot) has been evaluated in the laboratory, at the bedside, and in surgery. It was compared to the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, activated clotting time, Lee-White clotting time, fibrinogen and thrombelastograph. Most coagulation tests are reported as time to a clot end point while the Sonoclot records a continuous thrombokinetic pattern by measuring the energy required to maintain axial vibration of a hollow plastic probe in 0.4 ml of whole blood while it clots. Disposable plastic probes and non-siliconized glass cuvettes are rapidly changed after testing. Results are a line pattern which has been analysed for Clot Onset (C0) and Clot Formation Rate (CFR). Native whole blood from normal adults (54 studied) has a C0 of 2-4.5 minutes and CFR of 4-8 chart units/minute. The only similar clotting instrument is the thrombelastograph (TEG). Sonoclot and TEG patterns correlate, the Sonoclot sensing change before the TEG. Whole blood clotting measured with the Sonoclot is a new method which distinguishes hypercoagulation, various levels of heparin, and severe bleeding problems from normal. The device is durable, stable, easy to operate, and portable, providing a permanent record in a few minutes.