Using a blood test to detect blood clots in critically ill patients with central lines

The Use of Thrombin Generation Assay in Detection of Central Line Related Thrombosis (CRT) in Critically Ill Patients

Observational Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong · NCT06094387

This study is testing a blood test to see if it can help find blood clots in critically ill patients who have central lines.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorQueen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06094387 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate thrombin generation parameters in critically ill patients who have central lines, comparing those with and without central line related thrombosis (CRT). The study will involve patients aged 18 and older who are admitted to the mixed medical-surgical intensive care units at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong and require central catheter insertion. The thrombin generation assay will be utilized to assess the risk of thrombosis in these patients over a period of at least five days. The findings could help improve the detection and management of CRT in critically ill patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are critically ill patients aged 18 and older who require central catheter insertion and are expected to have the catheter in place for at least five days.

Not a fit: Patients with active venous thromboembolism, known hypercoagulable states, or those receiving therapeutic anticoagulation prior to recruitment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the early detection of central line related thrombosis, potentially improving patient outcomes in critical care settings.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of thrombin generation assays has been explored in various contexts, this specific application in critically ill patients with central lines is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≧ 18; AND
* Admitted to the mixed medical-surgical intensive care units of Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong; AND
* Clinically indicated for central catheter insertion, which includes central venous catheters and dialysis catheters; AND
* Expected to have the central catheter in place for at least 5 days in their ICU stay.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients known to have active venous thromboembolism including deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism;
* Patients known to have hypercoagulable states, e.g., hereditary thrombophilia, antiphospholipid syndrome; OR
* Patients with active solid organ or hematological malignancies; OR
* Patients already receiving therapeutic anticoagulation prior to study recruitment; OR
* Patients with thrombosis detected in the insertion site before central catheter insertion; OR
* Patients with a central venous catheter already in place prior to ICU admission; OR
* Patients admitted to the ICU for post-operative care; OR
* Patients admitted to the ICU for trauma care; OR
* Patients requiring extra-corporeal life support (ECLS); OR
* Patients with poor window or inaccessible for ultrasonographic examination; OR
* Pregnancy/post-partum within 6 weeks

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Central Line ComplicationThrombosis, VenousThrombin generationCentral line related thrombosis
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.