title: Appropriateness of choice and interpretation of tests for thrombophilic defects: a practical experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of laboratory coagulation tests in some fields of primary medicine is not well defined in available guidelines. In Italy, general practitioners tend to lack a thorough understanding of the utility of knowledge of coagulation inhibitors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the clinical conditions for which outpatients have been referred to our laboratory for antithrombin testing or for inherited thrombophilia tests panels over a 3-week period. Evidence-based guidelines were used to identify the appropriate requests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Numerous unnecessary tests were requested for both antithrombin and thrombophilia, particularly in obstetric and gynaecological situations in the setting of hormonal contraceptive treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laboratory specialists must improve upon their communication with physicians in order to achieve an appropriate use of coagulation tests.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35.100 Padua, Italy. pcarraro@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carraro
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Simioni
mesh_terms: D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D019851:Thrombophilia / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis