Thromboelastography (trademarked as TEG)

 • Graphical representation of the fibrin polymerization process

 • Point-of-care anti-coagulation monitoring to aid in determining if transfusion of blood products is needed (its value lies in the ability to determine the need for specific blood products)

 • Has been studied compared to routine transfusion algorithms and has been shown to reduce number of transfusions required without compromising outcomes (primarily in cardiac surgical patients)

R (reaction time)

 • Time elapsed until first measurable clot is formed

 • If ↑ → clotting factor deficiency → give FFP

K (K time)

 • Time elapsed until clot reaches a fixed strength

 • If ↑ → fibrinogen deficiency → give cryoprecipitate

α angle

 • Speed of fibrin accumulation

 • If ↓ → fibrinogen deficiency → give cryoprecipitate

MA (maximum amplitude)

 • Highest vertical amplitude

 • If ↓ → platelet deficiency → give platelets

LY30 (lysis at 30 minutes)

 • % of amplitude reduction 30 minutes after its maximum (reflects fibrinolysis

 • If ↑ → excess fibrinolysis → give anti-fibrinolytics (aminocaproic acid or tranexamic acid



Dr. Satya Patel @SatyaPatelMD



#Thromboelastography #Thromboelastogram #TEG #interpretation #hematology