Coagulation tests are used in assessing the prognosis of Covid-19 patients
In this blog, the use of coagulation testing is discussed in assessing the potential outcomes for COVID positive cases. With the level of incidence of thrombosis in patients admitted to hospital in severe condition due to the disease, coagulation tests such as D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) have become important indicators for hospitals. A study published by a French group in May 2020 in Intensive Care Medicine (1) shows an increase in the occurrence of prothrombotic events, especially pulmonary thromboembolisms, in patients with severe clinical symptoms of Covid-19 infection.
Given the urgency of the current situation caused by the new coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) pandemic, studies on this topic have been intensified worldwide at a record rate. Articles published in recent months still show a variation in the research consensus on the exact development process and consequences of coagulation disorders and prothrombotic conditions in critically ill patients hospitalised with Covid-19. The frequent diagnosis of coagulation problems is due to sepsis caused by worsening infection (3). As a result, coagulation tests on the patient's blood sample to determine protothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and especially D-dimers are gaining in importance. These tests show whether there is a need for anticoagulant therapy to prevent possibly fatal thrombosis.
Furthermore, the results of these tests have become relevant indicators of patient deterioration, alongside the regular parameters, and therefore point to the need for increased follow-up and intensive care. On the other hand, an improvement in the coagulation test results indicates stabilisation of the patient.
Among the various essential products for quality- and safety-relevant vacuum blood collection, VACUETTE® coagulation tubes from Greiner Bio-One for Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and D-Dimer tests can be used to track patients' coagulation indicators.
The VACUETTE® Coagulation Tube is double-walled and also known as a "sandwich" tube. The outer tube is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which, in addition to high transparency, is ideal for guaranteeing the duration of the vacuum. The inner tube is made of polypropylene (PP), which prevents the evaporation of citrate and, with its inert properties, is ideal for sensitive coagulation parameters.
The tubes contain buffered sodium citrate solution at 3.2% or 3.8% concentrations, and the arrow fill marks indicate the minimum, maximum and nominal volume. This guarantees the correct mixing ratio of blood and additive. The screw cap avoids aerosol effect and guarantees greater safety during centrifugation and sample transport.
VACUETTE® blood collection tubes are CE marked (European Community) and FDA certified (Food and Drug Administration – USA). Greiner Bio-One is ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified and complies with the requirements for good manufacturing practices required by the Brazilian health regulatory authority ANVISA.
References
(1) Anticoagulation and Covid-19: What do we have so far? Available here
(2) Anticoagulant treatment is associated with reduced mortality in patients with severe Covid-19 disease with coagulopathy. Available here
(3) Abnormal coagulation parameters are associated with poor prognosis in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia. Available here
(4) COVID-19: The health plans contain 6 additional tests in the mandatory list. Available here
Coronavirus: What role does anticoagulation play in critically ill patients? Available here
