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Interpretation of Abnormal Laboratory Values

Release Date: August 21, 2006

Expiration Date: August 21, 2007

Estimated time to complete this Activity: 45 minutes

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Overview

Various screening tests and assays are available for diagnosing bleeding disorders and coagulopathic conditions. The complexities of the hemostatic system and the lack of consensus regarding the best test for establishing a specific diagnosis complicate the management of these patients. This slide presentation will discuss the laboratory management of the bleeding patient, including the indications for and interpretation of coagulation test results, and the correlation of abnormal coagulation results with hematology and chemistry assays. The factors that contribute to abnormal values and when to order additional work-up will be described. In addition, the slide presentation will review the appropriateness of reflex testing policies, the utility of mixing studies, and the development of efficient and cost-effective algorithms for evaluating patients with abnormal laboratory results.

Target Audience

Interpretation of Abnormal Laboratory Values is intended to provide transfusion specialists, hematologists, and other healthcare professionals with an overview of the factors that affect laboratory assays of coagulation and potential algorithms to optimize consultative coagulation reporting.

Learning Objectives

After completing this continuing medical education (CME) activity, participants should be able to:

• List the factors that may lead to abnormal results in the laboratory assays that are currently used to diagnose coagulopathic conditions
• Evaluate the utility of uniform reflex testing policies
• Create algorithms for additional work-up in patients with abnormal laboratory results

Accreditation Statement

This activity has expired.

Designation Statement

This activity has expired.

How to Get Credit

This activity has expired.

Faculty Disclosure

It is the policy of the FCG Institute for Continuing Education that all faculty participating in continuing medical education activities are expected to disclose to the program audience (1) any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation and (2) discussion of unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or medical devices. Faculty disclosure statements can be found with their biographical sketches.

Conflict of Interest Resolution

When individuals in a position to control or influence the development of the content have reported Financial Relationships with one or more commercial interests, The FCG Institute for Continuing Education utilizes a process to identify and resolve potential conflicts to ensure that the content presented is free of commercial bias. The content of this presentation was vetted through The Institute’s process of peer review and content validation and modified as required to meet this standard.

Notice About Investigational or Off-Label Use

This educational activity may include discussion of drugs or devices or uses of drugs and devices, that have not been approved by the FDA or have been approved by the FDA for specific uses only. It is the responsibility of the physician to determine the FDA clearance status of each drug or device he or she wishes to use in clinical practice. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education is committed to the free exchange of medical education. Inclusion of any product or device discussion, including discussion of investigational or off-label uses, does not imply endorsement by The Institute of the uses, products, or techniques presented.

Disclaimer

This CME/CE activity is designed for use by healthcare professionals for educational purposes only. The information and opinions expressed by the faculty are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The FCG Institute. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education does not define a standard of care, nor does it intend to dictate an exclusive course of management but presents through the educational activities it sponsors recognized methods and techniques of clinical practice for consideration by physicians and other healthcare providers for incorporation into their practices. Participants should use their own clinical judgment before applying information, whether provided here or by others, for any professional use.

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Sponsored by: The FCG Institute for Continuing Education

The FCG Institute for Continuing Education
gratefully acknowledges an educational grant from
Novo Nordisk Inc. in support of this Web Site