Quality in Laboratory Hemostasis and Thrombosis

Book excerpt: "Over the last decades, major progress has been made in quality assurance of hemostatic laboratory assays. This book will be an indispensable part of every hemostasis laboratory, where, given its hands-on nature, it will rarely sit to get dusty on the shelves." —Frits R. Rosendaal, Leiden University Medical Center The hemostasis laboratory has a vital role in the diagnosis and management of patients with familial and acquired hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders. Its role in the monitoring traditional anticoagulant therapy as well as therapy using new anticoagulants presents new challenges to the laboratory. Quality in Laboratory Hemostasis and Thrombosis not only addresses these important issues, but also covers international guidelines for testing, the development of international standard materials, management of hemostasis testing from the laboratory to the point of care as well as molecular genetic testing. Designed as a guide for all those working in hemostasis laboratories, this book details a quality program that, when put into place, will help to improve standards in testing. All of the authors are internationally recognised for their work in hemostasis and thrombosis. Using their experience, they provide information on standards, equipment and methods that will guide the development of a quality program to support all activities in the hemostasis laboratory.