What is a common laboratory test used to monitor coagulation status during ECMO?

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a critical laboratory test used to monitor coagulation status during ECMO due to its sensitivity to the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, which is particularly relevant in the context of ECMO systems. ECMO circuits involve the interaction of blood with artificial surfaces, significantly influencing the coagulation process.

The aPTT test measures how long it takes for blood to clot, reflecting the effectiveness of various clotting factors. This is vital because patients on ECMO are at a high risk for both thrombosis and bleeding, necessitating careful monitoring and management of anticoagulation therapy.

While prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) are useful for monitoring the extrinsic pathway and vitamin K-dependent factors, they are not as directly relevant for assessing the coagulation status during ECMO. The complete blood count (CBC) provides valuable information about blood cells and overall health but does not specifically monitor the coagulation pathway affected during ECMO support.

Therefore, aPTT is the most appropriate choice for regularly assessing anticoagulation therapy and ensuring patient safety during ECMO.