Digital Microfluidics - Minimizing blood volume for pediatric coagulation screening

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): It is reported that up to 40% of neonates undergoing cardiac surgery suffer a major thrombosis event. Pediatric patients who are at increased risk for thrombosis due to either congenital or acquired hypercoagulabilityrequire individualized anticoagulation management. Presence of a thrombophilia influences clinical decision making regarding timing and duration of anticoagulation, particularly in children with venous thrombosis. The duration of therapy is guided by the number of risk factors and thrombophilic conditions. Hypercoagulability panel screening allows risk stratification for therapeutic management. Screening for hypercoagulability is indicated in pediatric patients with a family history of thrombosis, or in those who have suffered a major thrombotic or thromboembolic event. However, a large number of patients develop thrombosis without meeting current criteria for screening. Currently available screening tests are expensive, time-consuming and ordered indi