FIBTEM is a specific type of assay used to functionally assess fibrinogen levels and fibrin polymerisation, notably by blocking platelet activity.
Based on the provided reference, FIBTEM is an assay designed to evaluate crucial aspects of blood clot formation, specifically focusing on the role of fibrinogen. It is distinguished by its methodology which includes a specific additive to isolate the contribution of fibrin.
Key Characteristics of the FIBTEM Assay
The reference highlights the core features that define the FIBTEM assay:
- Activation Method: It uses the same activation method as the EXTEM assay.
- Platelet Blocking Substance: A key component is the addition of cytochalasin D. This substance acts as a platelet blocking agent.
- Purpose: The primary goal is to functionally assess:
- Fibrinogen levels: How much functional fibrinogen is available.
- Fibrin polymerisation: How well fibrinogen forms a stable clot structure.
By adding cytochalasin D, the FIBTEM assay effectively neutralizes the contribution of platelets to the clot formation process. This allows the measurement to specifically reflect the activity and quantity of fibrinogen and its ability to polymerize into fibrin, which forms the structural backbone of the clot.
This targeted approach makes FIBTEM valuable in situations where understanding the fibrinogen contribution independently of platelet function is critical for diagnosing coagulation issues or guiding patient management.
