Point-of-care testing in coagulation.

Point-of-care (POC) assays are available for a variety of coagulation tests. These assays are generally simple to perform and have a more rapid turnaround time than their central-laboratory counterparts. This article discusses the current status of coagulation POC methodologies, focusing on the potential clinical uses and the limitations of platelet function testing, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, D-dimer, and activated clotting time (ACT). Additional studies are eagerly awaited regarding potential future uses of POC coagulation testing, including the role of platelet function testing and ACT heparin management systems.