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The Rapidpoint Coag consists of a microprocessor based analyzer and individual disposable test cards. The Rapidpoint Coag photo-mechanically monitors the formation (clotting) and dissolution (fibrinolysis) of blood clots in a flat capillary chamber on the surface of a credit card sized disposable. The system's technology is based on the impedance of the movement of small paramagnetic iron oxide particles (PIOP) on the card in response to an oscillating magnetic field in the analyzer. The PIOP are combined with appropriate chemistry and formulated as dry reagents. Everything needed to perform a test is on the test card, except the sample.
Tests utilize an imprecisely measured volume of citrated whole blood, citrated plasma, non-citrated whole blood or quality control plasma.
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 The diagram illustrates the internal mechanism of the Rapidpoint Coag. Above the platform for the test card is a photo-detector and a photo-diode. Below the platform are the bias and electro magnets which, during the test procedure, influence the PIOP to move.
As a clot begins to form, fibrin strands attach themselves to the particles, impeding their movement. Movement slows until the particles are entrapped in the clot and stop moving. The particle movement is monitored optically as changes in reflected light from the surface of the test card. When the movement stops no light changes are seen and the test is complete. For fibrinolysis tests the process is reversed. When a sample is added to the test card a clot is formed immediately and the particles are trapped. The analyzer monitors time for the clot to dissolve and free the particles to begin moving.
Test results are displayed in the Rapidpoint Coag analyzer's liquid crystal display and stored automatically in the analyzer's memory. For the Prothrombin Time (PT) test the INR can be calculated automatically.
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The magnetic stripe on the back of the test card signals & supplies information to the Rapidpoint Coag to perform the test.
The test card is inserted into the analyzer's card holder.
The sample is added to the test card and flows into the reaction chamber. The dry reagent dissolves. The PIOP begin moving in response to the oscillating magnetic field.
