Measurement of Blood Clotting Time Now Possible

Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras have developed a new optical technology that precisely measures blood clotting time to improve the safety assessment of medical implants. The innovation is considered significant for the medical device manufacturing industry.

Medical implants such as heart stents, artificial joints, and catheters carry a risk of blood clot formation after being placed inside the body. These clots can lead to serious complications including heart attacks, strokes, or implant failure. Therefore, accurately evaluating how blood interacts with implant surfaces is crucial.

The newly developed method analyzes subtle changes in light reflected from the implant surface. As soon as clotting begins, measurable changes occur in light reflection, enabling researchers to determine the exact clotting time.

Conventional testing methods rely heavily on chemical processes and manual observation, which can sometimes lead to inconsistent results. In contrast, the new optical technique provides faster, more accurate, and highly reproducible measurements under conditions that closely mimic real biological environments.

Medical device manufacturers are required to conduct blood compatibility testing before introducing products to the market. This technology is expected to help improve implant design, simplify testing procedures, and enhance overall device safety. A patent has been filed for the innovation, and industry adoption is anticipated in the near future. Experts believe this advancement could significantly reduce implant-related blood clots and associated complications.