Making sense of coagulation tests, a practical approach.
A large variety of "clotting studies" are available to the clinician in evaluating the hemostatic capability of his patient. The authors have experience with these tests which are available in varying sophistication at hospitals ranging from 25-600 beds. In this article, the biochemistry and physiology of coagulation testing are purposely avoided. A common sense approach to evaluating the patient's "chance of bleeding or clotting" is presented.
Pittman
D L
DL
Boyce & Bynum Pathology Professional Services, Inc., Columbia, MO 65202.
Morgan
W B
WB
D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking