title: Utilization of coagulation assays in clinical therapeutics.
abstract: With the emergence of new anticoagulants, clinicians need a thorough understanding of coagulation assays. Various laboratory assays exist to measure the effectiveness of anticoagulants. Coagulation assays are the primary method for measuring the effectiveness of anticoagulants; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the various assays is critical to interpret the results appropriately. Coagulation test results can be affected by multiple factors including diseases, drugs, and genetic variations. This article reviews the indications, limitations, and interpretation of coagulation assays.
authors.affiliation: John Cochran Division, Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, VA St. Louis Healthcare System, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: Goldie L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: P Benjamin
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Erwin
authors.forename: Matthew K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Pitlick
authors.forename: Zachary A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Stacy
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants
keywords: activated clotting time; activated partial thromboplastin time; antifactor Xa; coagulation assay; ecarin clotting time; international normalized ratio; prothrombin time; thrombin time