Nmr detection of coagulation time

Abstract

The invention relates to detecting coagulation and coagulation-related activities including agglutination and fibrinolysis of samples. More particularly the invention relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring coagulation and/or obtaining a coagulation time of a sample using NMR-based detectors.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A method for monitoring coagulation of a sample from a test subject, the method comprising:
 (a) measuring a plurality of values of T 2  of the sample over time, wherein the T 2  is responsive to the coagulation state of the sample.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising (b) comparing the measured values of T 2  obtained in (a) with a standard coagulation-time-curve; and optionally further comprising (c) determining abnormal coagulation events from the comparison in (b). 
     
     
         7 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A method for treating a subject at risk of an abnormal clotting event, said method comprising:
 a) providing a blood sample from the subject,   b) measuring coagulation in the sample to provide information regarding an abnormal clotting event in the subject, and   c) using the information to develop a treatment plan for the subject.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the information is used to develop a treatment plan for a subject during or following surgery. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the information is used to develop a treatment plan for a subject during or following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery to avoid or mitigate pre-operative, perioperative, and/or post-operative bleeding. 
     
     
         39 . An NMR device comprising:
 a) a test carrier containing a blood sample within a detection volume of an NMR detector of the NMR device;   b) an NMR detection coil for obtaining at least two values of an NMR parameter of the blood sample over time, the NMR parameter being responsive to coagulation in the sample; and   c) means for assessing the values obtained in step b) to determine the coagulation state and/or coagulation time of the sample.   
     
     
         40 . The NMR device of  claim 39 , wherein the blood sample comprises one or more coagulation reagents. 
     
     
         41 . The NMR device of  claim 40 , wherein the coagulation reagents are selected from calcium chloride, kaolin, celite, ellagic acid, glass particles, thrombin, and thromboplastin.