Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Selected Methods of Haemostatis Evaluation

Abstract

Viscoelastometric tests have a specific position in haemocoagulation techniques. Representatives of these methods are thromboelastography (TEG), and/or rotational thrombo-elastometry (ROTEM). These are fast bedside (POCT) methods based on a measurement of viscoelastic whole blood properties during the formation, stabilization and lysis of a blood clot. It was suggested that these methods could replace standard laboratory tests used up to now. The goal of this paper was to calculate and assess the cost-effectiveness in order to compare the viscoelastometric tests represented by the ROTEM delta device and standard laboratory tests (considered for a comparator) from the point of view of a healthcare provider. For this purpose, the purchase, maintenance and operation costs of both technologies were estimated, and the effects of both technologies were assessed using multiple-criteria decision-making methods. As a result, the use of viscoelastic tests proved to be the more cost-effective option.