Coagulation

The coagulation section provides a full diagnostic interpretive 24-hour service:

• Routine screen (PTR & APTT)

• Routine maternity screen (PTR + APTT + FIB)

Significant abnormalities in the above investigations will automatically have added as appropriate the following:

• Thrombin Time (TT)

• 50/50 Corrections

• XDP

Thrombophilia samples will be separated and prepared out of hours where indicated clinically and after agreement of haematology consultant.

Further instructions

Please ensure that there is no possibility of contamination of sample with heparin or other IV fluids - eg. flushed from venflons etc.

Please collect coagulation samples before all other sample types with a minimum of stasis or delay. Do not top up coagulation tubes from other samples.

Please ensure each tube is correctly filled - under-filled samples give unreliable results and will not be tested.

All coagulation samples must be received and assayed within four hours of collection.

Please discuss with a consultant haematologist before requesting any of the following investigations:

• Bleeding time

• Platelet function studies

• Investigation of a possible bleeding disorder

• Investigation of a possible thrombophilia

For all coagulation tests four citrates is the maximum requirement (although other sample types may be required).

Other coagulation studies

Please ensure that there is no possibility of contamination of sample with heparin - e.g. from flushed Venflons etc. 

Please collect coagulation samples before all other tests with a minimum of stasis or delay. Do not top up coagulation tubes from other samples.

Please ensure tube is correctly filled; underfilled samples give unreliable results and will not be tested. The coagulation laboratory (extension 2814/5286 from within the hospital) will prepare small volume tubes for neonatal testing on request.

Please remember to state any current anticoagulation therapy.

Control of anticoagulant therapy INR & APTT

Coagulation factor assays may be performed by prior consultation with the haematology consultant on call.

Regular hospital and community based anticoagulant clinics are held with clinical advice given by pharmacists or anticoagulant nurses.

Blood sample assays for private contracts and clinical trials also form part of the service.