Do "screening" coagulation tests predict bleeding in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy?
OBJECTIVE
To determine if preprocedure coagulation testing predicts bleeding in patients undergoing flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) with biopsy.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
Southeastern, urban Veteran Affairs Medical Center.


RESULTS
Two hundred seventy-four patient charts representing 305 FOB with biopsy were reviewed for clinical predictors of bleeding, prebronchoscopy laboratory abnormalities, and incidence of bleeding complications. Thirty-five patients bled, and 3 had abnormal results of coagulation studies. Normal results of coagulation studies and no clinical risk factors were noted in 68 percent of patients who bled.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients undergoing flexible FOB with biopsy do not benefit from preprocedure coagulation testing.
Kozak
E A
EA
Medical College of Virginia, Richmond.
Brath
L K
LK
D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D001980:Bronchi / Q000473:pathology*; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014768:Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology