RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 How to use a coagulation screen
JF Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition
JO Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
SP 45
OP 49
DO 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320925
VO 107
IS 1
A1 Sarah Kapur
A1 Mark Gilmore
A1 Christine Macartney
A1 Andrew Thompson
YR 2022
UL http://ep.bmj.com/content/107/1/45.abstract
AB 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.