Whole Blood Platelet Aggregometry.

Light transmittance aggregometry is the historical reference method for platelet function testing and continues to be used extensively. Whole blood impedance lumiaggregometry represents an updated methodology that provides for simplified specimen management, an assay milieu that replicates in vivo platelet activation conditions, improved reproducibility, and near-patient testing. While the impedance-based whole blood aggregometer with luminescence channel is becoming the standard for platelet function testing using this methodology, at least three near-patient whole blood instruments are available, each employing its unique technology.

Measuring dabigatran with the dilute Russell viper venom confirm assay in an anticoagulation clinic population.

The dabigatran dose-response is predictable; however, it is necessary to measure plasma levels in a variety of clinical conditions. We evaluated a novel dabigatran measure - the 'dilute Russell viper venom confirm (DRVVC) assay' - against current developmental assays and a reference method. We measured plasma dabigatran and compared results from the Stago Sta-Clot DRVVC assay, Stago Ecarin Chromogenic Assay, Biophen Hemoclot Thrombin Inhibitor, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Comparison of six dilute russell viper venom time lupus anticoagulant screen/confirm assay kits.

Background: The normalized dilute Russell viper venom time (DRVVT) ratio provides a robust assay methodology for lupus anticoagulant (LA) detection.

Objectives: We evaluated six normalized DRVVT LA screen and confirm systems for inter-method consistency. Reagents were purchased from Diagnostica Stago, Inc.

Career research opportunities for the medical laboratory scientist.

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically practice in hospital laboratories; however there are multiple alternatives in research. This article details the advantages of working in a variety of research laboratory settings. These include public institutions, federal laboratory workplaces, private facilities, and industry settings.