DIAGNOSTIC IN VITRO METHOD FOR ASSESSING VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE AND INCREASED BLEEDING RISK ASSOCIATED WITH VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE AND ACQUIRED OR CONGENITAL DISORDERS OF PLATELET FUNCTION

摘要

The invention relates to an in-vitro method for diagnosing Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and an increased bleeding risk associated with von Willebrand Disease and/or acquired or congenital platelet function defects which reduce the interaction of von Willebrand Factor (VWF) with platelets. The in-vitro method of the invention may also be used to diagnose further bleeding risks. The test is suitable for use as a screening test based on whole blood and has the additional benefit of being suitable as a point of care test. The method involves the incubation of a sample containing platelets and haemostasis factors with an activator of platelet aggregation and the measurement of the viscoelastic change after inducing coagulation, e.g. by means of thromboelastography (TEG).