Everything needed to perform a test is on the test card, except the sample. Tests utilize an imprecisely measured volume of citrated whole blood, citrated plasma, non-citrated whole blood or quality control plasma. The diagram illustrates the internal mechanism of the Rapidpoint Coag. Below the platform are the bias and electro magnets which, during the test procedure, influence the PIOP to move. As a clot begins to form, fibrin strands attach themselves to the particles, impeding their movement.
Movement slows until the particles are entrapped in the clot and stop moving.
The particle movement is monitored optically as changes in reflected light from the surface of the test card. When the movement stops no light changes are seen and the test is complete. For fibrinolysis tests the process is reversed. When a sample is added to the test card a clot is formed immediately and the particles are trapped. The analyzer monitors time for the clot to dissolve and free the particles to begin moving.