3-1
Chapter 3:
Evaluating Global Hemostasis
with the Sonoclot Analyzer
The Sonoclot Analyzer is an advanced global hemostasis analyzer. As a point-of-care device, it is used in
operating rooms and cardiovascular intensive care units to assess hemostasis performance before, during,
and after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The Sonoclot Analyzer provides accurate information on the
entire hemostasis process including coagulation, fibrin formation, clot retraction, and hyperfibrinolysis
(when present).
The Sonoclot Analyzer Principle of Operation
The principle of operation within the Sonoclot Analyzer is a microviscometer. The instrumentation is
sensitive to any resistance to motion that the oscillating probe encounters as it moves within the test
sample. The greater the viscosity of the fluid, the greater the output signal generated by the analyzer. The
output signal is calibrated to reference viscosity standards and reported in normalized ‘Clot Signal’ units.
Sonoclot Signature
The viscoelastic measurement changes over time
as the clot forms and evolves. The series of Clot
Signal measurements throughout the test analysis
is referred to as the Sonoclot Signature. A typical
Sonoclot Signature is shown to the right. A
Sonoclot Signature is generated for each test and
can be displayed on a personal computer running
Signature Viewer, a data collection, storage, and
retrieval software program customized for the
Sonoclot Analyzer.
Electromechanical
Transducer
Cuvette
Direction of Probe Movement
Tubular Probe
Electronic Circuitry
Reference Signature
Minutes
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
Clot
Signal
0
25
50
75
100
125
Group Description
Style Time Test Application Result Range Comment
