Hemocompatibility Testing of Blood-Contacting Implants in a Flow Loop Model Mimicking Human Blood Flow

This protocol presents a model for the hemocompatibility investigation of blood-contacting devices according to International Standard Organization guidelines. The model is ideal for mimicking the physiological conditions that correspond to the implant since the low background for thrombotic events and the low concentration of anticoagulants enable a broad analysis of blood parameter. This method is ideal for biomaterial research since it provides a simple way to evaluate hemocompatibility.

Moreover, it can be used for preclinical studies. For heparin loading, first mix 5, 000 international units of undiluted heparin with 0.9%sodium chloride to obtain a 15 international units per milliliter of heparin concentration. Next, add 900 microliters of the diluted heparin solution to three neutral monovettes and three reserved monovettes per donor and store the heparin-loaded monovettes at four degrees Celsius.