Algorithmic approaches to hemostasis testing.

There are many unique issues that may make a pathologist's consultation helpful in hemostasis testing. Besides the rapidly expanding knowledge of both bleeding and thrombotic disorders and a wide test menu, hemostasis testing is very sensitive to preanalytical issues (hemolysis, fill volume, time, temperature, storage conditions) and the interference of many commonly prescribed drugs. The pathologist can serve an important role in the evaluation of a patient for a bleeding or thrombotic disorder. Using defined algorithms, hemostasis testing can proceed in a logical fashion and be reported using patient-specific comments that take into account clinical history and medication therapy. This approach can improve the diagnostic process, preventing misdiagnoses and leading to a decreased time to diagnosis and an improved utilization of laboratory resources. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.