ROTEM practice Flashcards
(16 cards)
What does ROTEM assess?
ROTEM assesses clot formation and fibrinolysis using whole blood, reflecting both plasma and cellular elements.
ROTEM stands for Rotational Thromboelastometry, a test used in coagulation studies.
Why is ROTEM more useful than traditional coagulation tests?
Traditional tests (e.g., PT/aPTT) assess plasma only; ROTEM includes cellular elements and provides real-time clot analysis.
Traditional tests do not account for the interaction of cellular components in clot formation.
What does the INTEM assay measure?
Coagulation via the intrinsic (contact activation) pathway.
What does the EXTEM assay measure?
Coagulation via the extrinsic (tissue factor) pathway.
What is the purpose of the HEPTEM assay?
It neutralizes heparin to differentiate between true coagulopathy and heparin effect.
What does FIBTEM assess?
Fibrinogen function—platelets are inhibited to isolate fibrin contribution.
What does APTEM assess?
Confirms hyperfibrinolysis by using antifibrinolytics like aprotinin.
What does CT (Clotting Time) reflect?
Time to initial clot formation—reflects thrombin generation.
What does CFT (Clot Formation Time) indicate?
Speed of clot strengthening—time to 20 mm amplitude.
What do A10, A20, and MCF measure?
Clot firmness and strength—reflects fibrinogen, platelets, factor XIII.
What does ML (Maximum Lysis) indicate?
Degree of clot breakdown—reflects fibrinolysis.
How does ROTEM help in trauma or bleeding patients?
Identifies coagulopathies, guides blood product use, and monitors therapy.
What does prolonged CT in INTEM suggest?
Heparin effect (especially if HEPTEM is normal).
What does low A10/MCF in FIBTEM suggest?
Low fibrinogen levels.
What does ML > 15% suggest in EXTEM or FIBTEM?
Hyperfibrinolysis.
What are the simplified ROTEM interpretations?
CT = Thrombin formation
A10 = Fibrinogen/Platelets
ML = Fibrinolysis
