Abstract
An universal coagulation test that reliably detects prolonged coagulation times in
patients, regardless of which anticoagulant is administered, is not yet available.
The authors developed a novel, miniaturized device utilizing surface acoustic waves
(SAW) to detect clotting, and used it to develop a novel universal microfluidic coagulation
test. Results from this assay were compared with results from standard coagulation
assays to detect classical anticoagulants (unfractionated heparin, argatroban) and
direct oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban). The SAW-clotting time (SAW-CT)
of this novel device was prolonged in a dose-dependent manner for heparin, argatroban,
dabigatran, and rivaroxaban, comparable to standard assays. The authors confirmed
the clinical utility of this device in a small patient population admitted to a stroke
unit. Preliminary clinical data prove the suitability of the SAW-CT in patients receiving
warfarin, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran. The device could be particularly useful as a
point-of-care test to assess whole blood coagulation (e.g., in stroke units or in
other emergency settings).
Keywords
drug monitoring - surface acoustic waves - anticoagulation
