Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) TRUE-NATEM Reference Value Validation in Liver Transplantation

Background: Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) has been used widely in liver transplantation for coagulation management. However, a TRUE-NATEM (TRUE-Non-Activated Rotational Thromboelastometry) reference value has never been established. A TRUE-NATEM value is of clinical significance since no coagulation activators or reagents will be added to the blood sample for analysis. Therefore, the result will reflect the true coagulation profile of the patient. Methods: Non-citrated whole blood will be used for analysis. Blood will be drawn from the patient and transferred into a plastic reagent cup that has no reagent. Test will be performed within 4 minutes of blood draw to avoid activation of coagulation. Primary outcome measure will be clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT) and maximum clot firmness (MCF). The specific aims of the study are to establish a TRUE-NATEM reference value using Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Our hypothesis is that clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT) is prolonged and maximum clot firmness (MCF) decreased compared to healthy volunteers in patient undergoing liver transplantation due to synthetic coagulation factor deficiency.