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 evidence-based dosing guidelines of TXA largely due to a lack of assays that can be used clinically routinely [2]. This is a problem because high levels of TXA may lead to neurological complications such as seizures and even clots in the lungs.

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 to ensure patients are receiving appropriate doses in various clinical settings:
  • Bleeding clinics
  • Trauma for massive bleeding
  • Invasive surgeries
• 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