The Fibrinogen Subcommittee met to discuss a single subject, "Criteria for Characterization of Fibrin Sealants." Fibrin sealants are complex, multi-component, biological preparations that are used in a variety of clinical situations to promote hemostasis and wound healing.
There are few established criteria or standards for characterizing the content and functional behavior of these preparations. We had seven presentations on the subject, and a lengthy and lively discussion afterward concerned with criteria, methods for measurement, and possible standards. We agreed that certain characteristics such as fibrinogen content, thrombin concentration, and factor XIII concentration were of importance and furthermore, that standards for fibrinogen and thrombin be sought. We intend to pursue this goal by an interactive correspondence during the coming year. We will also use this means to define other characteristics of fibrin sealant content and extend the dialogue to include certain functional parameters.