A Rational Approach to Coagulation Testing

Abstract

Quality patient care requires the appropriate selection of laboratory tests. Irrelevant testing must be avoided, whereas pertinent testing is indispensable. The goals of this review are 3-fold: (1) to describe appropriate coagulation test selection for medical and surgical patients, (2) to describe appropriate coagulation testing specifically in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19, and (3) to define the rational use of anticoagulant monitoring.

Keywords: activated partial thomboplastin time; coagulation; fibrinogen; platelet count; prothrombin time; test selection; viscoelastic testing.