The role of viscoelastic testing in assessing peri-interventional platelet function and coagulation

Abstract

We carried out a literature search in MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE literature databases to provide a concise review of the role of viscoelastic testing in assessing peri-interventional platelet function and coagulation. The search identified 130 articles that were relevant for the review, covering the basic science of VHA and VHA in clinical settings including cardiac surgery, cardiology, neurology, trauma, non-cardiac surgery, obstetrics, liver disease, and COVID-19. Evidence from these articles is used to describe the important role of VHAs and platelet function testing in various peri-interventional setups. VHAs can help us to comprehensively assess the contribution of platelets and coagulation dynamics to clotting at the site-of-care much faster than standard laboratory measures. In addition to standard coagulation tests, VHAs are beneficial in reducing allogeneic transfusion requirements and bleeding, in predicting ischemic events, and improving outcomes in several peri-interventional care settings. Further focused studies are needed to confirm their utility in the peri-interventional case.

Keywords

• bleeding
• critical care
• ischemia
• platelet function
• site-of-care
• trauma
• viscoelastic hemostatic assay