Method and assembly for measuring thrombin generation in plasma

A method for measuring thrombin generation in a whole blood sample in an assembly that comprises a sample support and a device for measuring thrombin generation in blood plasma, the method comprising:

• (a) placing the whole blood sample on the sample support which comprises a longitudinal separator medium that has a first end and a second end and comprises:
• (i) a sampling area at the first end at which the whole blood sample is deposited, and
• (ii) a reading area at the second end, said second end being receivable in an insertion opening, and a receiving space for a sample support, which separator medium allows flow migration of blood plasma while retaining blood cells,
• (b) before or after step (c), adding a fluorogenic thrombin substrate to the blood sample;
• (c) triggering thrombin generation;
• (d) prior to initiation of blood coagulation, separating blood cells from plasma in the separator medium, and
• (e) measuring the thrombin generated from the fluorogenic thrombin substrate using said device,
• wherein the device comprises:
• (i) a housing comprising a light tight box that comprises a cartridge retainer received therein;
• (ii) a light source;
• and
• (iii) a light sensor;
• wherein
• (A) disposed in said light-tight box are the insertion opening for inserting the sample support and for directing the sample support into the receiving space for the sample support in the cartridge retainer, and
• (B) at least part of the light source and part of the light sensor are directed towards said cartridge retainer.