Comparison of clot waveform analysis with or without adjustment between prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time assays to assess in vitro effects of direct oral anticoagulants.

Background: Clot waveform analysis (CWA) reportedly enhances the interpretation of clotting time measurement. This study aimed to compare CWA between prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assays for better understanding how to apply CWA for assessing effects of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Methods: Samples were prepared by spiking plasma with rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, or dabigatran.

[Implementation of the immunological method for improvement on accurate platelet counts].

Rapid and accurate platelet counting is clinically required in severe thrombocytopenia. Prophylactic platelet transfusions are usually indicated in thrombocytopenia with platelet counts less than 20,000/microliter. It was recently reported that the confidence lower limit of platelet counts by automated blood cell counter is about 14,000/microliter.