ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the variability of coagulation testing with a majority of the current instrumentation. The instruments which are commercially available utilize various physical and biochemical techniques to quantitate the spectrum of tests required by clinicians to evaluate the dynamics of coagulation adequately. Instrumentation measuring the “clot end point” by monitoring the optical density of the coagulum as a function of time occupies a prominent position in today’s modern coagulation laboratory. Desired analytes can be measured by direct quantitation, without activation of the coagulation cascade. With this technique, the following parameters can be measured: Factor assays, Protein C, Plasminogen, Heparin, Antithrombin III, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. The normal hemostatic mechanism is the body’s response to blood loss. Three components are necessary for adequate hemostasis: vascular components, platelets, and soluble coagulation proteins. The immunoassay is an immuno/biochemical technique utilized for the direct qualitative and quantitative determination of the chemical substance under investigation, without activation of the coagulation cascade.
