Abstract

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that is commonly administered for the treatment or prevention of bleeding for various conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, surgical site bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, among others {1]. However, there is a lack of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, along with questions regarding the optimal dose and administration schedules of TXA [2]. Furthermore, the quantification of TXA levels in patient samples requires highly analytical equipment [2].

Researchers at McMaster University have developed an assay to measure TXA levels in patient plasma samples, as a simple and rapid method of performing a point-of-care test in clinical settings.

Applications

• A point-of-care test to measure TXA levels in patient plasma samples
• Monitor and identify patients who may be at risk of complications due to prolonged TXA exposure
• Investigate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TXA to identify appropriate dosages

Advantages

• No existing point-of-care assays have been developed to quantity TXA levels in plasma
• The assay is very simple and easy to use
• Provides a rapid turnaround time for results

References

1. Relke N, Chornenki NLJ, Sholzberg M. Tranexamic acid evidence and controversies: An illustrated review. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2021 Jul 14;5(5). doi: 10.1002/rth2.12546.
2. Eduarda M.P. Silva, Luísa Barreiros, Paula Sá, Carlos Afonso, Sibylle Kozek-Langenecker, Marcela A. Segundo. Analytical methods for quantification of tranexamic acid in biological fluids: A review. Microchemical Journal,2017; 137. Doi: 10.1016/j.microc.2017.06.020.

Image obtained from: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/brain-hemorrhage-gm1082515282-290332694?searchscope=image%2Cfilm