Thrombinography

Thrombinography is a term used to describe techniques that visualize or quantify the activity of thrombin over time within a biological sample, with the aim of characterizing the dynamics of coagulation. It encompasses methods that measure not only the total amount of thrombin produced but also how quickly and where thrombin activity occurs during clot formation.

In practice, thrombinography extends traditional thrombin generation assays by incorporating spatial or kinetic visualization. Conventional thrombin generation assays monitor thrombin production in plasma using fluorogenic or chromogenic substrates, providing a curve of thrombin activity over time. Thrombinography seeks to add imaging or localized measurement components, using thrombin-sensitive fluorescent probes, peptide substrates, or labeled inhibitors to reveal where and when thrombin acts, including within microfluidic channels, cellular assays, or tissue samples.

Common approaches involve fluorogenic substrates that yield a detectable signal upon thrombin cleavage, fluorescence imaging with thrombin-responsive probes, and microfluidic or tissue-based systems that simulate physiological flow and allow observation of thrombin generation in situ. Data interpretation focuses on generation kinetics, peak thrombin activity, lag time, and the spatial distribution of activity, often supported by quantitative modeling.

Clinical and research relevance centers on better understanding coagulation dynamics, evaluating anticoagulant therapies (including direct thrombin inhibitors), and studying the interactions between platelets, fibrin, and endothelium. Limitations include a lack of standardization across platforms, sensitivity to sample handling and inhibitors, and challenges in translating complex spatial data into routine clinical decisions. Related concepts include thrombin generation assays and broader coagulation imaging modalities.