Point-of-care testing in coagulation.
Point-of-care (POC) assays are available for a variety of coagulation tests. These assays are generally simple to perform and have a more rapid turnaround time than their central-laboratory counterparts. This article discusses the current status of coagulation POC methodologies, focusing on the potential clinical uses and the limitations of platelet function testing, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, D-dimer, and activated clotting time (ACT). Additional studies are eagerly awaited regarding potential future uses of POC coagulation testing, including the role of platelet function testing and ACT heparin management systems.
Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Elizabeth M
EM
Van Cott
D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010979:Platelet Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems
D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D