Benefits and Pitfalls of Point-of-Care Coagulation Testing for Anticoagulation Management

Abstract

Objectives Point-of-care (POC) testing is generally less precise and has higher reagent costs per test than laboratory-based assays. However, POC hemostasis testing can offer significant advantages in particular situations: patient-managed warfarin therapy as well as rapid turnaround time heparin management for intraoperative patients. Of note, POC hemostasis testing is generally approved for the purposes of anticoagulation monitoring and is inferior to laboratory coagulation testing for the diagnosis of congenital or acquired coagulopathy. Methods The frequently used POC coagulation instruments for POC international normalized ratio and activated clotting time are reviewed, as well as their typical performance relative to central laboratory testing (where available). Results Several cases are discussed that highlight the benefits, as well as pitfalls, of POC coagulation testing. Conclusions POC coagulation testing for anticoagulation monitoring offers advantages in particular situations. Clear policies and protocols must be developed to guide proper use of POC versus central laboratory hemostasis testing.