Quick Test for Thromboplastin Time

A portable system that quantitatively determines the thromboplastin time on the spot within one minute, using capillary blood from a fingertip or untreated venous whole blood, can offer important benefits, according to a new study.

Called CoaguCheck S, the system gives patients fast information about their required doses of anticoagulant medication. The simplicity of operation makes it easy and convenient for patients to monitor and even manage their own therapy. In addition, the system can reduce the risk of major complications and minor hemorrhages, according to the new study, which compared self-management of oral anticoagulant therapy with clinical management.

The anticoagulant study involved 737 patients with indications for anticoagulant treatment. Result showed that CoaguCheck S reduced the risk of major complications and minor hemorrhages by up to 70% and mortality by up to 60%. The major complication rate was found to be 7.3% in the conventional management group and 2.2% in the self-management group. The authors of the study suggest that the ideal way to provide access to self-management for as many patients as possible would be patient self-management supported by a specialized clinic. The study results were reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2005;142:1-10). CoaguCheck S is the product of Roche Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland).

"CoaguCheck S system can help give patients independence and--even more significant--safety and peace of mind, in short, real improvement in quality of life,” noted Heino von Prondzynski, CEO, Roche Diagnostics. "Additionally, patient self-management is cost-effective and demonstrates that modern diagnostics may reduce the cost of the healthcare system. The authors of the study estimate that at least 50% of patients on anticoagulant therapy could safely use patient self-management to monitor their treatment.”





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