Comparison of Thromboelastography, Conventional Coagulation Tests and Clotting Time in Preclinical Investigations of Anticoagulant Drugs in Rodents

Article Comparison of Thromboelastography, Conventional Coagulation Tests and Clotting Time in Preclinical Investigations of Anticoagulant Drugs in Rodents Xinrong Yang, Boning Huang, Ping Tang, Liuqing Lin and Baoqin Lin * The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Clinical Research Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Commercialization of Medical Institution Preparations and Traditional Chinese Medicines, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Commercialization of Linnan Special Medical Institution Preparations, Guangzhou, 510405; China * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 11 September 2024; Revised: 24 October 2024; Accepted: 28 October 2024; Published: 22 April 2025 Abstract: Background This aimed to compare thromboelastography (TEG), conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) and clotting time (CT) during the detection of coagulation in rodents. Methods The TEG, CCTs and CT were detected in blood samples from the abdominal aorta to assess the coagulation system in rodents administered with anticoagulants. Similarly, the CT test was performed on blood samples from the retro-orbital venous plexus of mice. Subsequently, the sensitivity of CT to detect coagulation changes in mice administered with different anticoagulants was assessed. Finally, factors influencing the clotting time were investigated, including the sources of blood samples, laparotomy, fasting, irrigation, gender, and different technicians. Results TEG failed to detect rivaroxaban-induced changes in the coagulation system of rats. In contrast, APTT, PT, and CT were significantly prolonged following rivaroxaban administration in rats. APTT and PT exhibited higher sensitivity compared to the clotting time. Furthermore, the clotting time of mice was more sensitive relative to that of rats. Moreover, laparotomy, fasting, irrigation, and gender did not influence the clotting time, however, different technicians did. Conclusion In summary, TEG may not be an appropriate method for assessing the impact of drug-induced prolongation of clotting time in rodents. CCTs and CT are effective screening methods for anticoagulant agents. Besides, the CT appears to be ideal for application in the primary screening of anticoagulant drugs in mice, while CCTs are suitable for rats.