Have you ever wondered how your anti-coagulant drugs work? Well, it's all related to the not-so-scary science of coagulation. Student doctors often run screaming from this topic as it can be very complex with seemingly endless nonsensical Roman numerals that make up the biochemistry of the clotting cascade. But we’re here to make it simple, by going at it in bite sized … [Read more...]
Frivolous Friday – the death that stops you clotting
Did you know that if you are struck by lightening your blood doesn't clot? This was first described back in 1794 and became quite important in the scientific discovery of how blood clots. John Hunter wrote in 'A treatise on the blood, inflammation and gun-shot wounds' records that in 'animals killed by lightning or electricity' or in animals 'who are run very hard, and … [Read more...]
Do you have an MD in jargon juggling?
Have you ever tried reading your medical notes and been completely stumped by some terms? Or can you understand complex medical terms without pause? Here are 10 medical terms related to coagulation issues. Just click on the term to see what they mean and see if you can score a perfect 10/10 (MD level!). [su_spoiler title="1. Melaena" … [Read more...]
Clot risk – getting older
This Medical Monday series is about risk factors for venous thromboembolism, VTE (pulmonary embolism and DVT). The post 'Are you on the red or blue team?' outlines the difference between arterial and venous clots. We are going to cover Strong risk factors; being in hospital, having surgery and immobility Moderate risk factors; age (60+), a previous blood clot, family … [Read more...]
History of the blood-red remembrance poppy
On Armistice day, we use poppies as a memorial. Blood-red poppies were some of the only plants to grow on the battle fields of the Napoleonic and First World War. They grow best in fertilised (in war by human blood) and turned over ground (in war by horses, artillary or explosions). They came to represent the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers and were first adopted as a … [Read more...]
Clot risk – immobility
This Medical Monday series is about risk factors for venous thromboembolism, VTE (pulmonary embolism and DVT). The post 'Are you on the red or blue team?' outlines the difference between arterial and venous clots. We are going to cover Strong risk factors; being in hospital, having surgery and immobility Moderate risk factors; age (60+), a previous blood clot, family … [Read more...]
David Clotterfield Saga – scene 6
David Clotterfield and Clara Clearvessel are both on warfarin and as we follow their saga we discover their beliefs about anticoagulation through the various comments they make about their lives. At the end of each scene, you'll get a chance to test your knowledge; Are their comments true or false? Before reading this episode, you may like to catch up with the previous … [Read more...]
“Best Anticoagulant Control in the World” – from Paul’s book chapter
Point-of care testing book This week a new book, entitled "A Practical Guide to Global Point-of-Care testing", was published in Australia. I am very excited about this as I am one of the contributors. Point-of-care testing, or POC testing for short, is where a laboratory test is carried out at the bedside or immediately after a blood sample is taken. Those of you who use … [Read more...]
Halloween – the link between vampires and coagulation
Happy Halloween - a good day to cover the ways that vampires have come to be linked with coagulation. Dracula Vampires, Dracula teeth and bats have become synonymous with the decorations for Halloween, but the story behind Dracula and vampires is quite interesting and goes back to the middle ages and is possibly linked to a rare blood disorder. It is not quite clear where the … [Read more...]
Stroke is treatable – World Stroke Day Campaign
Today is World Stroke Awareness Day, (WSD): This year's campaign is that stroke is treatable, especially if its recognised early (remember FAST) and treated as a medical emergency with thrombolysis therapy if indicated. Their video, below, emphasises this. WSD says, "Stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without blood, … [Read more...]
