Estimation of the Activation of the Thromboplastic System in Blood During Extracorporeal Circulation

Abstract

A method is described by which it is possible to demonstrate an activation of the thromboplastic system during extracorporeal circulation.

The principle is the same as used in the three-stage thromboplastin activation test where the thromboplastic activity in the plasma sample is estimated by its ability to induce thromboplastic activity in normal, platelet-rich plasma in the thromboplastin activation test. Heparin is neutralized by the combined addition of protamine sulphate and toluidine blue.