Thrombelastography (TEG®)

Abstract

Thromboelastography (TEG) is a point-of-care assay of the viscoelastic properties of blood that provides a comprehensive real-time analysis of hemostasis, from initial fibrin fiber formation, to platelet interactions, to fibrinolysis. Such insight into hemostasis has not only allowed for a better understanding of the biology of coagulation after injury, but has also allowed for development of a recently validated goal-directed transfusion therapy of trauma induced coagulopathy. This chapter reviews the technology principles that support TEG and provide a data-driven guide for the use of this tool during resuscitation of trauma induced coagulopathy as well as in hemostasis research applications.