Rapid Assessment of Coagulation at the Point of Care With the Hemochron Signature Elite System

Abstract

Real-time point-of-care (POC) measurement of coagulation parameters, including activated clotting time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time, and prothrombin time with calculated international normalized ratio can improve patient outcomes in clinical settings, such as surgical and minimally invasive cardiac procedures, critical care units, and emergency departments. Point-of-care analyzers used in these settings must be small, portable, robust, and easy to use. The Hemochron Signature Elite system (Instrumentation Laboratory) offers 6 types of single-use disposable coagulation test cartridges, ACT+ (to measure high to moderate unfractionated heparin concentrations), ACT-LR (to measure moderate to low unfractionated heparin concentrations), activated partial thromboplastin time (citrate or whole-blood samples), and prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (citrate or whole-blood samples). Using a mechanical clot-detection technology, 1 to 2 drops of blood are mixed with an assay-specific reagent. Results are analyzed, displayed, and archived within minutes of testing. An integral barcode reader scans patient and operator IDs, and reagent lot details for documentation and traceability. The system supports remote connectivity (POCT01-A–compliant) and POC management of data, operators, and analyzers with GEMweb Plus 500 Custom Connectivity solution (Instrumentation Laboratory). The Hemochron Signature Elite system provides rapid and reliable testing with the broadest coagulation test menu of any POC instrument.