Open AccessThe surgical application of point‐of‐care haemostasis and platelet function testing
Author(s) -
Dickinson K. J.,
Troxler M.,
HomerVanniasinkam S.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
british journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.202
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1365-2168
pISSN - 0007-1323
DOI - 10.1002/bjs.6359
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care medicine , point of care testing , perioperative , coagulation testing , point of care , medline , hemostasis , platelet , surgery , pathology , political science , law
Background: Disordered coagulation complicates many diseases and their treatments, often predisposing to haemorrhage. Conversely, patients with cardiovascular disease who demonstrate antiplatelet resistance may be at increased thromboembolic risk. Prompt identification of these patients facilitates optimization of haemostatic dysfunction. Point‐of‐care (POC) tests are performed ‘near patient’ to provide a rapid assessment of haemostasis and platelet function. Methods: This article reviews situations in which POC tests may guide surgical practice. Their limitations and potential developments are discussed. The paper is based on a Medline and PubMed search for English language articles on POC haemostasis and platelet function testing in surgical practice. Results: POC tests identifying perioperative bleeding tendency are already widely used in cardiovascular and hepatic surgery. They are associated with reduced blood loss and transfusion requirements. POC tests to identify thrombotic predisposition are able to determine antiplatelet resistance, predicting thromboembolic risk. So far, however, these tests remain research tools. Conclusion: POC haemostasis testing is a growing field in surgical practice. Such testing can be correlated with improved clinical outcome. Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.