Appropriateness of choice and interpretation of tests for thrombophilic defects: a practical experience.
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.
Carraro
Paolo
P
Servizio di Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35.100 Padua, Italy. pcarraro@hotmail.com
Simioni
Paolo
P
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