BACKGROUND: The use of laboratory coagulation tests in some fields of primary medicine is not well defined in available guidelines. In Italy, general practitioners tend to lack a thorough understanding of the utility of knowledge of coagulation inhibitors. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical conditions for which outpatients have been referred to our laboratory for antithrombin testing or for inherited thrombophilia tests panels over a 3-week period. Evidence-based guidelines were used to identify the appropriate requests. RESULTS: Numerous unnecessary tests were requested for both antithrombin and thrombophilia, particularly in obstetric and gynaecological situations in the setting of hormonal contraceptive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory specialists must improve upon their communication with physicians in order to achieve an appropriate use of coagulation tests.
Appropriateness of choice and interpretation of tests for thrombophilic defects: a practical experience
SIMIONI, PAOLO
2003
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The use of laboratory coagulation tests in some fields of primary medicine is not well defined in available guidelines. In Italy, general practitioners tend to lack a thorough understanding of the utility of knowledge of coagulation inhibitors. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical conditions for which outpatients have been referred to our laboratory for antithrombin testing or for inherited thrombophilia tests panels over a 3-week period. Evidence-based guidelines were used to identify the appropriate requests. RESULTS: Numerous unnecessary tests were requested for both antithrombin and thrombophilia, particularly in obstetric and gynaecological situations in the setting of hormonal contraceptive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory specialists must improve upon their communication with physicians in order to achieve an appropriate use of coagulation tests.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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