An apparatus is for use in viscoelastic analysis, for example in coagulation testing of sample liquids, such as blood and/or its elements. In the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis, the rotating means are provided below the cup, pin and cup receiving element. A capacitive detection means and temperature control devices may be used in the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis. A method of performing viscoelastic analysis, e.g. coagulation analysis, on a sample may use the devices and apparatuses.

The present invention provides a method of detecting platelet activation in a patient, the method comprising the steps of a) obtaining a blood sample from a patient suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); b) incubating an effective amount of platelet factor 4 (PF4) with a sample of platelets to yield a sample of PF4-treated platelets; c) contacting the patient blood sample with the PF4-treated platelets; and d) measuring the extent of platelet activation, wherein an increase in platelet activation compared with results obtained using a normal blood sample is indicative of the patient having HIT.

The present invention provides a method of detecting platelet activation in a patient, the method comprising the steps of a) obtaining a blood sample from a patient suspected of having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); b) incubating an effective amount of platelet factor 4 (PF4) with a sample of platelets to yield a sample of PF4-treated platelets; c) contacting the patient blood sample with the PF4-treated platelets; and d) measuring the extent of platelet activation, wherein an increase in platelet activation compared with results obtained using a normal blood sample is indicative of the patient having HIT.

The present invention relates to methods and products associated with in vivo enzyme profiling. In particular, the invention relates to methods of in vivo processing of exogenous molecules followed by detection of signature molecules as representative of the presence of active enzymes associated with diseases or conditions. The invention also relates to products, kits, and databases for use in the methods of the invention.

The present invention relates to methods and products associated with in vivo enzyme profiling. In particular, the invention relates to methods of in vivo processing of exogenous molecules followed by detection of signature molecules as representative of the presence of active enzymes associated with diseases or conditions. The invention also relates to products, kits, and databases for use in the methods of the invention.

An integrated system for determining a hemostasis and oxygen transport parameter of a blood sample, such as blood, is disclosed. The system includes a measurement system, such as an ultrasonic sensor, configured to determine data characterizing the blood sample. For example, the data could be displacement of the blood sample in response to ultrasonic pulses. An integrated aspect of the system may be a common sensor, sample portion or data for fast and efficient determination of both parameters. The parameters can also be used to correct or improve measured parameters. For example, physiological adjustments may be applied to the hemostatic parameters using a HCT measurement. Also, physical adjustments may be applied, such as through calibration using a speed or attenuation of the sound pulse through or by the blood sample. These parameters may be displayed on a GUI to guide treatment.

Methods for increasing plasmin activity in a patient in need thereof are provided, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutic amount of an agent which binds to α2-antiplasmin at a binding site to increase conversion of α2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, thereby increasing plasmin activity in the patient. Also provided are methods for the identification of compounds or molecules that increase plasmin activity, comprising determining whether the compound or molecule binds to a binding site on α2-antiplasmin which increases the conversion of α2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, wherein the compound or molecule is not an antibody, thereby identifying a compound or molecule which increases plasmin activity. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of myocardial infarction, thrombosis, ischemic stroke, and pulmonary embolism.

Methods for increasing plasmin activity in a patient in need thereof are provided, comprising administering to the patient a therapeutic amount of an agent which binds to α2-antiplasmin at a binding site to increase conversion of α2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, thereby increasing plasmin activity in the patient. Also provided are methods for the identification of compounds or molecules that increase plasmin activity, comprising determining whether the compound or molecule binds to a binding site on α2-antiplasmin which increases the conversion of α2-antiplasmin from an inhibitor to a plasmin substrate, wherein the compound or molecule is not an antibody, thereby identifying a compound or molecule which increases plasmin activity. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of myocardial infarction, thrombosis, ischemic stroke, and pulmonary embolism.

In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for detecting an aberrant fibrinolysis condition in a patient. The method includes subjecting a blood sample from the patient to a viscoelastic analysis in the presence of a known amount of a thrombolytic agent, to obtain a coagulation characteristic value of the patient; and comparing the coagulation characteristic value of the patient to a coagulation characteristic value of a healthy individual, the coagulation characteristic value of the healthy individual obtained by subjecting a blood sample from a healthy individual to the viscoelastic analysis in the presence of the known amount of the thrombolytic agent, wherein a difference in the coagulation characteristic value of the patient as compared to the coagulation characteristic value of the healthy individual identifies the patent as having aberrant fibrinolysis. In some embodiments, the invention also provides a container adapted for detecting an aberrant fibrinolysis condition in a blood sample using viscoelastic analysis comprising an interior having a coating comprising a thrombolytic agent.

In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for detecting an aberrant fibrinolysis condition in a patient. The method includes subjecting a blood sample from the patient to a viscoelastic analysis in the presence of a known amount of a thrombolytic agent, to obtain a coagulation characteristic value of the patient; and comparing the coagulation characteristic value of the patient to a coagulation characteristic value of a healthy individual, the coagulation characteristic value of the healthy individual obtained by subjecting a blood sample from a healthy individual to the viscoelastic analysis in the presence of the known amount of the thrombolytic agent, wherein a difference in the coagulation characteristic value of the patient as compared to the coagulation characteristic value of the healthy individual identifies the patent as having aberrant fibrinolysis. In some embodiments, the invention also provides a container adapted for detecting an aberrant fibrinolysis condition in a blood sample using viscoelastic analysis comprising an interior having a coating comprising a thrombolytic agent.