Purpose of review: Knowledge of trauma-induced coagulopathy has been grown in the past and point-of-care suitable devices for coagulation testing have been introduced. Methodology and clinical application of different systems for point-of-care coagulation monitoring are shown with a focus on thrombelastography as measured by TEG, rotational thromboelastometry as measured by ROTEM and impedance aggregometry as measured by the multiplate analyser and ROTEM platelet.
Recent findings: Two different methods for point-of-care coagulation assessment are available: viscoelastic tests (ROTEM, TEG) and impedance aggregometry. In different settings these methods have been evaluated in various publications pointing out the possibility of reducing transfusion requirements, transfusion-related side effects, and resulting costs.
Summary: Point-of-care assessment of coagulation in trauma patients appears to be at least promising. However, because published data mostly are of retrospective or observational nature only, there is a need for prospective, randomized and controlled studies.