Interpretation of Results of Routine and Special Coagulation Tests

Abstract Interpretation of Results of Routine and Special Coagulation Tests: A Practical Guide summarizes in text and in easily visualizable tables the laboratory assays required to diagnose bleeding and viscoelastometry. Tests to diagnose disorders of primary, secondary, and tertiary hemostasis are detailed to include the purpose, method, typical reference range, and result interpretation for each test. Clinical conditions associated with true abnormal, falsely abnormal, true normal, and falsely normal results are listed and tabulated wherever applicable. Groups of tests needed to diagnose specific disorders such as von Willebrand disease, antiphospholipid syndrome, hereditary thrombophilia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are described. The handbook also reviews optimal tests for monitoring the effect of anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, antifibrinolytics, and thrombolytics are discussed. Assays to assess global hemostasis and fibrinolysis by viscoelastometry are reviewed. The impact of anticoagulants on results of individual tests is summarized in Table 15.1.