Miniature, Portable, Device to Detect and Monitor Coagulopathy

Conventional coagulation tests use an isolated portion of the blood coagulation cycle to assess blood function by activating pathways of the cycle via chemical additives. Thromboelastography (TEG) is an effective tool for monitoring the entire coagulation cycle as a whole from a physical standpoint i.e. from the clot formation to fibrinolysis. Information about the quality and dynamics of clot formation can also be derived. However, current TEG devices are large and bulky which require up to 30 minutes for estimating critical coagulation parameters. Also, activating coagulation by precise rotation of its cuvette is a delicate process, and there is significant data processing to extract the reaction and clot formation times, and maximum amplitude to finally determine the coagulation index. Therefore, there is a need for a fast, low cost, portable, and rugged device to monitor blood coagulation during blood component therapy in remote sites for treating traumatic injuries. We will develop a technology to monitor fluid viscosity and shear-dependent viscosity by using longitudinal and flexural modes of microfabricated silicon probes. These devices will enable real-time monitoring of whole blood coagulation without the addition of anticoagulants.