Abstract
Rapid evaluation of fibrinogen (Fbg) levels is essential for maintaining homeostasis
in patients with massive bleeding during severe trauma and major surgery. This study
evaluated the accuracy of fibrinogen levels measured by the CG02N whole blood coagulation
analyzer (A&T Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan) using heparinized blood drawn for blood
gas analysis (whole blood-Fbg). A total of 100 matched pairs of heparinized blood
samples and citrated blood samples were simultaneously collected from patients in
the intensive care unit. Whole blood-Fbg results were compared with those of citrated
plasma (standard-Fbg). The whole blood coagulation analyzer measured fibrinogen levels
within 2 minutes. Strong correlations between standard-Fbg and whole blood-Fbg were
observed (ρ = 0.91, p < 0.001). Error grid analysis showed that 88% of the values were clinically acceptable,
and 12% were in a range with possible effects on clinical decision-making; none were
in a clinically dangerous range without appropriate treatment. Using a fibrinogen
cutoff value of 1.5 g/L for standard-Fbg, the area under the receiver operating characteristic
curve of whole blood-Fbg was 0.980 (95% confidence interval 0.951–1.000, p < 0.001). The whole blood coagulation analyzer can rapidly measure fibrinogen levels
in heparinized blood and could be useful in critical care settings where excessive
bleeding is a concern.
Keywords
fibrinogen - point-of-care - coagulopathy - massive transfusion