Laboratory Hemostasis: A Practical Guide for Pathologists

Coagulation testing is the basis for the diagnosis of bleeding and thrombotic disorders, as well as the mainstay of anti-coagulant monitoring and management. The laboratory director requires significant expertise to manage the coagulation laboratory. This expertise includes the selection, validation and harmonization of analyzer/reagent combinations across health care organizations that often include physician offices, point of care testing, hospital laboratories and shared core laboratories. Pathologists are often responsible for managing a healthcare system's coagulation testing, yet the basics of managing a coagulation laboratory are inadequately addressed in many, if not most, pathology residency training programs. In addition, there is no textbook to which residents or practicing pathologists can refer for assistance. The same can be said for medical technologists or non-pathologist clinicians who find themselves in charge of a coagulation laboratory. This handbook will address the need among practicing pathologists, laboratory supervisors/managers, pathology trainees and clinicians for a straightforward reference for managing a hemostasis laboratory and coordinating testing across multiple locations and technologies. The handbook format will allow quick reference to specific topics and be useful for answering specific questions or for Board exam review. The full spectrum of coagulation testing, basics of methodology and instrumentation, and the responsibilities of the laboratory director will be covered.