Coagulation screen information

Only perform if:

• there is acute haemorrhage
• there is abnormal bleeding history
• treatment with anticoagulation therapy
• prior to starting warfarin, especially in the elderly
• there is jaundice or abnormal LFTs and either known, or suspected, liver disease
• paracetamol overdose
• there is severe sepsis
• there is malnutrition or risk of vitamin K deficiency

Various studies have shown that routine coagulation screens are of little value and an assessment of the bleeding history is more relevant especially prior to surgery or invasive procedures.

Please check if your patient has had a recent coagulation screen to avoid duplication, especially if the results are normal.