Reference interval study of rotational thromboelastography and NATEG test in a healthy group

Abstract

Objective: A general assessment of hemostasis may be done with NATEG (non-active thromboelastography) that is a test of rotational thromboelastography (ROTEG) used in differential diagnosis as an advanced model of the conventional method. Determination of a reference interval was needed since the prognostic value of NATEG is known and a reference interval study had not been conducted yet although the test does not consume a reactant and thus has a low cost. Therefore we analysed the reference values in our population, compared them with the values presented by the manufacturer and analyzed their distribution according to gender. Material and Methods: For measurements, standardized ROTEG technique was employed using 300 citrated blood samples. Clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) were the measured parameters. Results: Reference intervals were found as 256-767 sec for CT, 58-285 sec for CFT and 49-73 mm for MCF. According to our results, values for 300 samples aged between 20-37 years, calculated in 97.5% confidence interval differed significantly from the values presented by the manufacturer except for MCF (p< 0.001). When the genders were compared, a statistically significant difference was seen in NATEG parameters except for MCF (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Reference values of NATEG parameters presented by the manufacturer and studied from citrated plasma may not be appropriate for using in every population. We recommend that centers that use ROTEG for research or clinical purposes should determine a reference interval for the selected target population. Although determination of a reference interval at every ROTEG system establishment is not always practical, the ability of NATEG test to be studied without a cost enables its use in a more effective fashion. © 2011 by Türkiye Klinikleri.