The physiological activator of coagulation is tissue factor (TF). The ready to use ex-TEM^® reagent for the EXTEM assay utilises a stabilised preparation of TF for a mild but consistent activation of coagulation.

The benefit for the user is obvious: It improves precision by a well defined activation and leads to a significant shortening of reaction times when compared to the classical thrombelastography with surface activation only. EXTEM is sensitive for

• clinically significant abnormalities of the extrinsic pathway of blood coagulation
• fibrinogen and fibrin polymerisation disorders
• platelet disorders
• thrombocytopenia