Thrombelastography is a medical term that refers to a diagnostic test that measures blood clotting. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols for each sound. It begins with the voiced dental fricative /ð/, followed by the voiceless dental fricative /θ/. The next sound is the alveolar approximant /ɹ/, followed by the voiced bilabial plosive /b/ and the alveolar lateral approximant /l/. The word ends with the schwa /ə/, the voiced velar plosive /ɡ/, and the voiced palatal fricative /ʒ/.
Thrombelastography (TEG) is a diagnostic laboratory technique used to measure and assess the clotting potential and characteristics of blood. It is a dynamic assessment tool that provides a comprehensive evaluation of the entire clotting process, from the initiation of clot formation to its stabilization and subsequent dissolution.
TEG measures various parameters related to blood clotting, including clotting time, clot strength, clot stability, and fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots). This information allows healthcare professionals to assess the overall function of the coagulation system and diagnose any abnormalities or disorders related to clotting.
The procedure involves taking a blood sample, which is then placed in a TEG machine. The machine applies controlled rotational forces to the blood sample, inducing clot formation and subsequent changes in the viscoelastic properties of the clot. These changes are detected by a pin or a torsion wire, and the resulting clotting profile is graphically represented on a computer screen.
Thrombelastography is commonly used in clinical settings, particularly in surgery and intensive care units, to monitor patients' clotting abilities during and after procedures, assess the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy, evaluate bleeding disorders, and guide transfusion therapy decisions. It provides real-time information about a patient's clotting status, aiding in the early detection of coagulation abnormalities and assisting in timely interventions to prevent excessive bleeding or thrombotic events.
The word "thrombelastography" is a combination of three Greek roots: "thrombo" meaning "clot", "elasto" meaning "elasticity", and "graphy" meaning "writing" or "recording".
- "Thrombo" comes from the Greek word "thrombos" meaning "lump" or "clot". It is used in medical terminology related to the formation of blood clots.
- "Elasto" comes from the Greek word "elastos" meaning "elastic" or "flexible". In this context, it refers to the measurement of the clot's mechanical properties, specifically its elasticity and strength.
- "Graphy" comes from the Greek word "graphia" meaning "writing" or "recording". It is often used in scientific terminology to indicate a method of measurement or recording.