Platelet function testing: state of the art.

Platelet function testing has evolved from crude tests, such as the bleeding time, to tests that permit a relatively sophisticated evaluation of platelet activity. Nonetheless, these tests are hampered by lack of specificity and sensitivity, and poor standardization of methods and techniques. The bleeding time, which has long been a staple of hemostasis testing, has been dropped from the test menu at many laboratories.

Point-of-care versus laboratory monitoring of patients receiving different anticoagulant therapies.

Study Objective: To compare point-of-care and standard hospital laboratory assays for monitoring patients receiving single or combination anticoagulant regimens.

Design: Prospective analysis.

Setting: Nursing units and clinics at a large, community hospital.