Point-of-Care Testing of Coagulation in Patients Treated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants 1

Point-of-Care Testing of Coagulation in Patients Treated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants 1

The investigators study aims to test the correlation between the CoaguChek point-of-care testing (POCT) device (Roche, Switzerland) and low plasma levels of all three currently approved direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC; rivaroxaban, apixaban and dabigatran) and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of POCT to rule out or detect relevant levels of DOAC in real-life stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stroke patients, who were newly started on oral anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, apixaban or dabigatran for secondary prevention of thromboembolic events
• Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Vitamin K antagonists or direct oral anticoagulants ≤ 14 days prior to study participation
• Low-molecular weight heparin ≤ 24 hours
• Unfractionated heparin ≤ 12 hours
• Abnormal coagulation values at baseline (Quick < 70% or activated thromboplastin time (aPTT) > 40sec.)
• History of coagulopathy