Method of monitoring and/or measuring blood loss

Abstract

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. In particular applications, methods of estimating blood loss from a subject are provided. The method and devices may include a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and provide for an approximate blood hematocrit for a selected type of animal, as well as provide for a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device receiving the fluid. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood cell sedimentation volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “η” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that may include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid. Methods of detecting blood in a sample, such as a fluid sample, and kits for performing the methods, are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.