Aria diagnostics

Decoding Clotting Disorders and Guiding Patient Care

H ematology C oagulation L aboratory T esting : Decoding Clotting Disorders and Guiding Patient Care H ematology coagulation laboratory testing plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and monitoring clotting disorders, assessing bleeding risks, and guiding appropriate patient care.

Importance of Hematology Coagulation Testing a. Diagnosing Clotting Disorders: Hematology coagulation tests are essential in diagnosing various clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and thrombophilia. These tests help identify deficiencies or abnormalities in coagulation factors, platelet function, or the clotting cascade, enabling precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment. b. Assessing Bleeding Risks: Coagulation testing aids in evalu ating bleeding risks before surgical procedures or during anticoag ulant therapy. Results from these tests guide healthcare profession als in determining the optimal management strategies, such as the administration of blood products or adjustment of anticoagulant dosages. c. Monitoring Anticoagulant Therapy: Patients receiving anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin or direct oral antico agulants, require regular monitoring to ensure therapeutic efficacy and prevent adverse effects. Hematology coagulation tests, such as the international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), are employed to monitor and adjust anticoagulant therapy accordingly.

Hematology Coagulation Testing Methodologies a. Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR): PT measures the time tak en for blood to clot through the extrinsic pathway. INR is a standardized ratio derived from PT, ensuring consis tency across laboratories. These tests assess the function of factors involved in the extrinsic pathway, primarily factors II, V, VII, and X. b. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): aPTT evaluates the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade. It assesses the function of factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, and II. aPTT is commonly used to monitor heparin therapy and detect deficiencies or in hibitors of clotting factors. c. Thrombin Time (TT): TT measures the time it takes for fibrinogen to convert into fibrin. It evaluates the final step of the clotting cascade and aids in diagnos ing fibrinogen deficiencies or dysfunctions.

10 | Aria Diagnostics