When should coagulation studies be performed?

Coagulation studies are essential tools for assessing a patient's hemostatic function and identifying potential bleeding risks before surgical procedures. The correct approach is to perform these studies on patients who exhibit clinical risk factors for abnormal hemostasis. Clinical risk factors might include a history of bleeding disorders, liver disease, certain medications (such as anticoagulants), age, or other medical conditions that could impair normal clotting.

By focusing on patients with these clinical indicators, healthcare providers can identify those who may require special attention to manage their anticoagulation or other aspects of their care, thereby reducing the risk of intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. This targeted use of coagulation studies is both efficient and effective, rather than subjecting all patients, regardless of their risk level, to these tests unnecessarily.

In contrast, performing coagulation studies routinely for all patients or specifically for all endoscopic procedures can lead to an overwhelming number of tests without substantial benefit, as many patients may not have any risk factors for bleeding. Additionally, relying solely on a reported history of bleeding does not encompass all potential issues related to hemostasis, as some patients may not present a history but still possess underlying abnormalities. Thus, a focused approach based on clinical risk factors is the most prudent strategy in peri