Validation of thromboelastometry in horses.

The research focuses on the validation of thromboelastometry, a technique used to identify abnormalities in blood coagulation, in horses, as well as defining the general characteristics of an equine thromboelastogram, or a graph representation of blood coagulation.

Methodology

• The researchers utilized a specific type of thromboelastometer, the Rotem-gamma, to study 38 citrated blood samples from horses. This tool was used to inspect native coagulation, the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of coagulation, the function of the protein fibrinogen, and the occurrence of fibrinolysis.
• Classic validation approaches were employed to assess the precision of the method and the influence of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) and variations in storage time and temperature on the samples.
• Two types of horses, saddle and racing, were examined, with the racing horses specifically sampled before and after races.

Results

• Imprecision tests showed that analytic variations were lower than 10% meaning the Rotem-gamma thromboelastometer is quite accurate when used using the methods detailed in this study.
• The equine thromboelastogram, or a graphical representation of blood clotting in horses, was found to be similar to those of other species. However, differences were noticed in the efficiency of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.
• Reference intervals of blood clotting varied in racing horses, particularly after exercise, when compared to those of saddle horses, possibly due to a higher concentration of red blood cells in racing horses.
• Blood coagulation ability was found to decrease in hemolyzed samples. Significant changes were also noted between non-refrigerated and refrigerated blood samples that had been stored for 20 hours.

Conclusion

• The Rotem-gamma thromboelastometer can be effectively used for equine blood samples to measure the process of blood clotting.
• The criteria for a normal equine thromboelastogram are similar to other species but can vary within different horse sub-groups and under different conditions like exercise.
• Thromboelastometric results and thus the representation of coagulation can be affected by certain external factors, including hemolysis and refrigeration.