Ecarin Chromogenic Assay Provides Precise DTI Results

The ecarin chromogenic assay (ECA) is a highly specific tool for determining the exact direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI) concentration in plasma without interference from abnormal prothrombin or fibrinogen levels.

ECA results are independent of coagulation factors and plasmatic inhibitors within the sample; and as it is not influenced by lupus anticoagulants, the assay allows for specific determinations.

The assay is insensitive to heparin, LMWH, danaparoid, fondaparinux, and direct factor Xa antagonists. This facilitates bridging and transition to other anticoagulants, and dosage adaptation in high-risk patients. Additionally, the ECA dose response results are linear and do not plateau at elevated concentrations.

A Diagnostica Stago, Inc. (Stago; Parsippany, NJ, USA) product, the ECA kit can be adapted to the company's automated instruments. The wide measuring range includes two reagent formats dedicated to each DTI type (ECA-H for recombinant hirudins, ECA-T for synthetic DTIs). Recombinant hirudins include desirudin (Revasc, Iprivask) and lepirudin (Refludan). DTIs include argatroban (Argatroban), bivalirudin (Angiomax), and dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa). Specific standards and controls are also available.

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