Coag Dx™ Analyser
Avoid bleeding complications—uncover clotting disorders in seconds
 - Test immediately and in-house.
- Screen at-risk animals for clotting problems before a procedure to avoid bleeding complications during or afterward, when corrective measures can be extremely difficult.
The Coag Dx™ Analyser connects to the IDEXX VetLab® Station, a laboratory information management system that collects all results into an electronic medical record and prints them on an integrated report for easy interpretation.
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Detect clotting disorders immediately for the most successful treatment
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Canine and feline: PT, Citrate PT, aPTT and Citrate aPTT
Equine: PT and Citrate PT
Designed for ease of use and reliability
The Coag Dx™ Analyser measures whole blood clotting times using disposable single-use Coag Dx™ Cartridges. Each cartridge contains all of the reagents necessary for a specified test.
- The analyser measures the required volume of blood and mixes the blood with reagents contained in the cartridge. The remaining sample not needed for testing is automatically drawn out of the sample well and into an enclosed waste channel on the cartridge.
- After mixing with the reagent, the sample is moved back and forth at a predetermined rate within the test channel and monitored for clot formation.
The rate of movement of the sample is monitored by a series of LED optical detectors that are aligned with the test channel. When the blood clots, the flow of the blood sample within the test channel is impeded, reducing its rate of flow. This reduction in flow between the optical detectors signals to the analyser that a clot has formed.
- The analyser emits an audible beep, indicating the end of the test. The test results remain on the display as long as the cartridge remains in the analyser.
When connected to the IDEXX VetLab Station or an external printer, results can be automatically printed along with the time and date the test was run, the Patient ID, Client ID and other information, if entered.
Results are also saved in an internal database. Up to 600 patient test results and 600 quality control test results can be stored in the analyser for later printing or downloading.
IDEXX Coag Dx Analyser Specifications
| Dimensions and Weight | Depth: 9.4 cm (3.7 in)
Width: 19 cm (7.5 in)
Height: 5 cm (2.0 in)
Weight: 0.53 kg (1.2 lbs) |
| Performance | Test Precision: ≤10% C.V. for whole blood samples |
| Operation | Test Chamber: 1
Timing Range: 0 seconds to 500 seconds
Incubation Temperature: 37ºC ± 1.0ºC (98.6ºF ± 2.0ºF)
Full-Charge Operating Time: >2 hours
Battery Life: 500 recharges
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Throughput (Full Charge): 49 test cycles (at 150 sec per test), 17 test cycles (>500 sec per test)
Operating Environment: 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) |
When and how to use the Coag Dx™ Analyser 1. Insert a room temperature IDEXX Coag Dx Cartridge. | 2. Collect the sample using a syringe and immediately dispense one drop of blood into the sample well of the cartridge. | 3. Press the Start button. |
Testing fresh citrated whole blood samples1. Collect the sample using an evacuated test tube containing 3.2% sodium citrate. Mix gently by inverting the tube at least 4 times. | 2. Insert a room temperature IDEXX Coag Dx Cartridge. | 3. Using a plastic pipette, collect the sample from the evacuated test tube and dispense one drop of blood into the sample well of the cartridge. |
4. Press the Start button. | |
A suggested protocol for coagulation assessment: Events that lead to the formation of a blood clot are simplified in coagulation theory into two interactive coagulation cascades that are referred to as the intrinsic and the extrinsic pathways, both leading to the common pathway and the formation of a stable fibrin clot. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT and Citrate aPTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT and Citrate PT) tests are general coagulation screening tests that are used to measure the functionality of the blood coagulation cascade. View a larger image or print the protocol. (PDF) 
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Frequently asked questions for the Coag Dx™ Analyser
What are bleeding disorders? 
Bleeding disorders are abnormalities in the haemostasis process (i.e., the formation of a blood clot). Primary bleeding disorders involve platelet disorders, including thrombocytopenia and thrombopathies as well as von Willebrand’s disease and vasculopathies. Secondary bleeding disorders are due to diseases involving coagulation factors. Bleeding disorders can be either acquired or inherited. The important thing to note about bleeding disorders is that they can occur in any animal at any time.
What is haemostasis?
Haemostasis is the process of maintaining blood in its fluid state while stopping bleeding in cases of trauma or disease. It’s the balance between the formation of blood clots to stop bleeding (or haemorrhage) from injured blood vessels and the prevention of clot formation (or thrombosis) beyond the site of vessel injury. Too little haemostasis results in haemorrhage while too much haemostasis results in thrombosis. When haemostasis is in balance, rapid clotting at the site of injury and appropriate healing occur. Haemostasis is classically divided into:
- Primary haemostasis, which results in the formation of a temporary platelet plug.
- Secondary haemostasis, which results in the formation of a stable fibrin plug.
- There are also anticoagulant and fibrinolytic components that limit the extent of clot (or thrombus) formation and facilitate its breakdown.
What are coagulation factors? What is the coagulation cascade?
Coagulation factors are proteins that are primarily produced by the liver. Just like platelets, they circulate in the plasma in an inactive form when not needed. When activated, coagulation factors interact to form a stable fibrin clot resulting in coagulation. The coagulation cascade is divided into an intrinsic pathway and an extrinsic pathway, both of which merge into a common pathway. All three of these pathways are important in understanding normal clotting mechanisms. The IDEXX Coag Dx Analyser helps identify deficiencies in all three pathways and can help indicate if a more permanent fibrin clot will form to stop bleeding.
How are bleeding disorders diagnosed?
Laboratory tests are essential to characterise a bleeding disorder. These tests should be interpreted together with a patient’s history, physical exam and clinical findings. Blood samples for these tests should be collected atraumatically and prior to the initiation of therapy.
- Tests for primary bleeding disorders include:
- CBC (platelet assessment) and blood film
- von Willebrand’s Factor
- Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time
- Tests for secondary bleeding disorders include:
- aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)
- PT (Prothrombin Time)
- Thrombin Time
- ACT (Activated Clotting Time)
What is the difference between aPTT and ACT?
Both aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) and ACT (activated clotting time) tests assess the intrinsic and common pathways. When compared to the aPTT, the ACT test is less sensitive to intrinsic and common pathway problems. If a haemostatic problem is suspected and ACT is “normal,” an aPTT test should be performed. ACT can potentially be prolonged by thrombocytopenia, while the aPTT test is not affected by low platelet numbers.
Does the method of blood sample collection matter?
Proper technique for blood collection is essential for accurate results. Blood should be drawn as atraumatically as possible in a syringe or a blue-top (sodium citrate) tube. Samples with visible clotting or debris should be discarded and a fresh sample obtained. The Coag Dx Analyser can analyse both fresh and citrated whole blood samples. The fresh blood should be analysed immediately using the fresh whole blood PT/aPTT cartridges. The citrated blood should be analysed within 2 hours using the citrated whole blood PT/aPTT cartridges.
When would clinics use the IDEXX Coag Dx Analyser?
The Coag Dx Analyser can immediately provide important information regarding the blood clotting status of a patient, which is when veterinarians need it. Clinics use the Coag Dx Analyser for:
- Pre-surgical or procedure workup (e.g., liver biopsies) for at-risk animals
- Clinical signs of excessive bleeding
- Rat poisoning and other toxins
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC)
- Severe systemic disease (e.g., neoplasia)
- Monitoring therapy and disease progression
What tests can be run on the Coag Dx Analyser?
The following four tests, which are validated for canine and feline use, can be run on the Coag Dx and the SCA2000 analysers:
- Prothrombin Time (PT), for use with fresh whole blood
- Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), for use with fresh whole blood
- Citrate Prothrombin Time (PT), for use with citrated whole blood
- Citrate Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), for use with citrated whole blood.
The PT and Citrate PT tests are also validated for equine use.
What quality control is done on the Coag Dx Analyser?
The Coag Dx Analyser automatically performs daily internal electronic and temperature quality control testing to verify performance. The analyser also performs a system check every time it is activated and a test is performed.
Does the Coag Dx Analyser have normal reference intervals?
Yes, the Coag Dx Analyser inserts provide feline, canine and equine normal reference intervals for each test. These reference ranges were evaluated by clinical trials for this analyser. The IDEXX VetLab® Station report will also include the normal reference intervals for the coagulation tests.
Who will service the existing SCA2000 analysers?
While IDEXX is not an authorized SCA2000 service centre and cannot service these analysers, IDEXX will work with the manufacturer on the customer’s behalf to resolve any warranty- and service-related issues.
Each of the components is an integral part of the IDEXX in-house laboratory for veterinary practices.
