The main innovation of ROTEM® sigma is the development of a sample handler and a cartridge allowing for a of full automated test operation. As in ROTEM® delta four different tests can be run simultaneously on the four channels of the analyser.
Whereas the tests in ROTEM® delta are performed manually by pipetting a blood sample and liquid system reagents, in ROTEM® sigma the reagents are contained in freeze dried pellet form in a cartridge. Test operation is performed by inserting a cartridge and attaching a blood sample to the analyser.
The five available ROTEM® tests INTEM, EXTEM, FIBTEM, APTEM, and HEPTEM are contained in different combinations in two cartridge configurations:
* Cartridge type 1 including INTEM, EXTEM, FIBTEM, APTEM
* Cartridge type 2 including INTEM, EXTEM, FIBTEM, HEPTEM
Aim of the study is the performance evaluation of the new ROTEM® sigma coagulation analyzer in comparison to the current ROTEM® delta thromboelastometry system.
As a valid method comparison requires test results that cover the whole measurement range of the test system it is also necessary to include acute bleeding and emergency patients in the study. Only the inclusion of acute bleeding and emergency patients will produce strong pathologic test results allowing for a valid evaluation of the test system.
