A UBT-blood collection system contains the thrombin-specific inhibitor Hirudin as a solution or as a dry substance or as a surface coating. The amount of the thrombin inhibitor is proportioned to inhibit blood coagulation for a period of time in which all of the above described analyses can be carried out. First investigations already showed that 400 ATU (anti-thrombic units) recombinant Hirudin per ml blood allowed the performance of a multitude of clinico-chemical laboratory assays on standard laboratory equipment without any problems and in a repeatable manner after centrifugation of the corpuscular elements (Menssen et. al. Clin Chem Lab Med 2001; 39(12):1267-1277).
The UBT invention is concerned with the performance of the blood test with automated measuring devices that combine determining all clinico-chemical parameters and all haematological parameters. For this the development of a Universal Blood Test Machine combining both measurement possibilities, clinico-chemical and haematological, should be of interest for the generation of innovative instrument systems that further simplify and automate laboratory processes.
