title: Reference ranges of coagulation tests.
abstract: Reference ranges are a set of values that correctly include most of the subjects with characteristics similar to the reference group and exclude the others. When accurate, reference ranges aid physicians to interpret results of clinical measurements and thus establish diagnosis. However, obtaining accurate reference ranges is a very demanding procedure. This chapter provides basic definitions and theories as well as a step-by-step procedure for the analysis of reference values and determination of reference ranges of coagulation, focusing on quantitative clinical laboratory assays. Preanalytical and analytical factors as well as dependence on the age influencing reference values for coagulation assays and their transference are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Haematology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Speer
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmugge
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Metzger
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albisetti
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D011786:Quality Control; D012015:Reference Standards; D012016:Reference Values; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires