Hemostatic management during pediatric cardiac surgery is uniquely challenging because of developmental differences in coagulation, the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, and limited circulating blood volume. In this context, point-of-care viscoelastic testing enables real-time, whole-blood assessment of clot formation and stability — supporting targeted, goal-directed transfusion strategies in a particularly high-risk patient population.
Building on this approach, Boston Children’s TEG Coagulation Laboratory is a specialized facility dedicated to supporting clinicians in the care of pediatric cardiac patients through advanced coagulation testing and analysis. Our laboratory provides thromboelastography (TEG) and VerifyNow platelet function testing — essential tools for evaluating coagulation dynamics in children undergoing complex cardiac surgery or receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and who are at heightened risk for bleeding and thrombotic complications. These tools offer a more comprehensive and physiologically relevant assessment of hemostasis than conventional coagulation tests, enabling more accurate evaluation of bleeding risk and more informed clinical decision-making. By delivering real-time insights into a patient’s coagulation profile, we help guide individualized anticoagulation and transfusion strategies aimed at maintaining hemostatic balance.
Thromboelastography (TEG6s) monitoring
The TEG6s hemostasis point-of-care analyzer provides rapid, comprehensive assessment of a patient’s coagulation status in real time. Using thromboelastography, the TEG6s system evaluates an entire clotting process, from clot formation to fibrinolysis, and offers critical insights that guide transfusion decisions, manage bleeding risk, and optimize patient outcomes in surgical, trauma, and critical-care settings.
VerifyNow platelet function testing
VerifyNow is an easy-to-use point-of-care system that measures platelet reactivity to assess the effectiveness of antiplatelet medications such as aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors. It provides quick, actionable results to help guide personalized antiplatelet therapy and improve patient outcomes in cardiac, neurovascular, and other high-risk settings.
Our laboratory also conducts cutting-edge research focused on advancing coagulation diagnostics and improving patient outcomes, including the development and evaluation of new point-of-care coagulation testing devices and tools. By integrating clinical expertise with innovative research, the TEG Coagulation Laboratory delivers immediate impact on patient care while shaping the future of coagulation management in pediatric cardiac surgery.