TEG Talk: Unlocking the Secrets of Blood Coagulation

 

 

Check out the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.

On This Episode:

In this episode, we’re going to explore the transformative role of Thromboelastography (TEG) in blood coagulation and transfusion therapy. This groundbreaking technology has revolutionized how we understand and manage blood coagulation.

We begin by tracing the history of TEG from its origins in 1948 to its current use as a critical tool for assessing real-time clotting processes. Unlike traditional lab tests, TEG provides a comprehensive view of clot formation, strength, and breakdown, enabling more precise interventions in trauma, surgery, and obstetrics.

We’ll also discuss strategies for managing preoperative anemia, reducing the need for transfusions, and improving recovery outcomes. The show finishes with a look at emerging trends in transfusion medicine, including universal leukoreduction, advanced cell therapies, and patient blood management (PBM).

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• TEG provides a detailed picture of what the patient's coagulation status is.
• How coagulation and traditional tests of coagulation work.
• Understanding these pathways and their associated tests is crucial for diagnosing and managing bleeding disorders.
• What are some common treatments for preoperative anemia?
• Risks and costs associated with transfusion therapy.

 

Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

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"By using TEG, hospitals can reduce unnecessary transfusion, which lowers costs and minimizes risks."

- Garry & Terry

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Reference

1. Selby, R. (2020). “TEG talk” expanding clinical roles for thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastography. ASH Publications. 2020 (1).
2. (2024). Thromboelastography.
3. Azolinsky, A. (2022). Thromboelastography: Measuring blood coagulation in real time. ASH Clinical News.
4. Nickson, Chris. (2024). Thromboelastogram (TEG). Life in the Fastlane
5. Tarantino, C. (2021). Coagulastion Cascade. What is it, Steps, and More. Elsevier in Osmosis.
6. Evans, Ewan. (2022). The Coagulation Cascade. Geeky Medics
7. Schmidt, AE., Israel, AK., Refaai, MA., (2019). The utility of thromboelastography to guide blood product transfusion: An ACLPS critical review. American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 152 (4). 407-422.
8. McEvoy, MT., Shander, A. (2013). Anemia, bleeding and blood transfusion in the intensive care unit: Causes, risks, costs, and new strategies. American Journal of Critical Care. 22 (6). eS1-eS13.
9. Sarode, R. (2024). Complications of transfusion. MSD Manual.
10. Risks and Complications. (2024). https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions/risks-complications.html.
11. Patient Blood Management: Optimizing transfusion benefits and recognizing when transfusion is helpful. https://www.aabb.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/resources/pbm-optimizing-transfusion-benefits-and-recognizing-when-transfusions-are-helpful.pdf.
12. Future trends in the efficacy and safety of transfusion medicine. https://www.ivteam.com/intravenous-literature/future-trends-in-the-efficacy-and-safety-of-transfusion-medicine/.
13. Merolle, L., Marraccini, C. Eds. (2024). Transfusion Medicine and Blood: Current clinical status and future challenges. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jcm/special_issues/IL61BK1PKO
14. Klompass, AM., et al. (2024) Practice advisory on the implementation of preoperative anemia management: The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management. Anesthesia and Analgesia https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-analgesia/fulltext/9900/practice_advisory_on_the_implementation_of.1055.aspx.