TY - JOUR T1 - How to use a coagulation screen JF - Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition JO - Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed SP - 45 LP - 49 DO - 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320925 VL - 107 IS - 1 AU - Sarah Kapur AU - Mark Gilmore AU - Christine Macartney AU - Andrew Thompson Y1 - 2022/02/01 UR - http://ep.bmj.com/content/107/1/45.abstract N2 - A coagulation screen is an important screening test when investigating a child who presents with easy bruising or bleeding. Interpretation of a coagulation screen can be challenging for clinicians. Evolution of the haemostasis system during childhood means normal ranges vary with age and needs to be interpreted alongside the clinical information. It is essential to consider preanalytical variables when interpreting a coagulation screen, and the reason for the investigation must always be considered. It is important that the sample is taken under optimal conditions, including sample technique, use of the correct bottle and prompt transport to the laboratory. An abnormal coagulation screen may indicate an underlying congenital bleeding disorder or an acquired bleeding disorder, or may be due to sampling error. Limitations of the coagulation screen are essential to be aware of, as some children with normal coagulation screen results may have bleeding disorders. Conversely, an abnormal coagulation screen does not always indicate a bleeding disorder. ER -