Testing blood clotting in stroke patients on blood thinners

Qualitative Coagulation Testing With the CoaguChek(R) Pro II Point-of-Care Test System and aPTT Test Cards in Patients Before and After First Intake of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Observational University Hospital Tuebingen · NCT04679298

This study is testing a quick blood test to see if it can accurately measure blood thinner levels in stroke patients who can't share their medication history.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Tuebingen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tuebingen)
Trial IDNCT04679298 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of CoaguChek point-of-care testing to measure the levels of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in stroke patients. It aims to determine the correlation between the test results and the actual plasma levels of DOACs, which are crucial for making timely treatment decisions in emergency situations. The study focuses on patients who have recently started anticoagulation therapy and may not be able to communicate their medication history due to their condition. By providing rapid diagnostic information, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes in acute stroke scenarios.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are stroke patients recently started on DOAC therapy for secondary prevention.

Not a fit: Patients who have taken vitamin K antagonists or other anticoagulants shortly before the study or those with abnormal coagulation values will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the ability to quickly assess anticoagulant levels in stroke patients, leading to more effective and timely treatment decisions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with point-of-care testing for anticoagulants, but this specific approach with CoaguChek is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Stroke patients, who were newly started on oral anticoagulation with apixaban, edoxaban, dabigatran or rivaroxaban for secondary prevention of thromboembolic events
* informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Vitamin K antagonists ≤ 14 days prior to study participation
* Prior DOAC intake ≤ 72 hours
* Low-molecular weight heparin ≤ 24 hours
* Unfractionated heparin ≤ 12 hours
* Heparinoids (e.g. Fondaparinux) ≤ 72 hours
* Abnormal coagulation values at baseline (Quick \< 70% or activated thromboplastin time (aPTT) \> 40sec.)
* History of coagulopathy

Where this trial is running

Tuebingen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anticoagulation With Direct Oral AnticoagulantsDirect oral anticoagulantsAcute strokePoint-of-care testing
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.