Fibrinolysis

CLN: Viscoelastometry Article

Here is a May 2023 Clinical Laboratory News cover review by colleague and fellow “clotter” Oksana Volod, MD, entitled “Is TEG the Right Assay? [click]” The article describes the updated means for near-patient viscoelastometry assays, whose original methodology became available in 1948. Clinical Laboratory News is a widely distributed American Association for Clinical Chemistry [AACC} […]

Global Hemostasis Assays

Webinar: The Many Faces of VWF, Part 2: Tumor Progression

Fritsma Factor participants, we invite you to view the next installment of our video series “Coag Conversations:” Dr. E. J. Favaloro: The Many Faces of von Willebrand Factor; or Von Willebrand Factor, ADAMTS13, Malignancy, and Beyond Part 2: Von Willebrand Factor and ADAMTS13: Tumor Progression and Beyond, sponsored by BioMedica Diagnostics, Inc.

Age-adjusted D-dimer Cutoff

From Amberly Nunez: Hi George, I am curious to see if anyone is using the age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff for PE? I know this topic was discussed in 2014 and wanted to see if there has been a practice change since that time. We are using the STA Liatest D-Di and our ED physicians have asked […]

Factor XIII Control?

From “Kaarin,” We are wondering what other labs are using for a positive (deficient) control for factor XIII assay by the clot-lysis methodology. Deficient plasma? Hello, Kaarin, thanks for your question, which will attract some responses soon. A quick check of major plasma control distributors shows that only Hyphen BioMed, distributed in North America by Aniara, […]

FDP and D-dimer

A question for discussion. Is there any clinical reason to test for both fibrin degradation products [FDPs] and D-dimer?

Isolated Chronically Elevated D-dimer: Reprise

Fritsma Factor continues to receive questions from individuals who report continuing elevated D-dimer concentration reports in the absence of thrombotic disease. I refer us to my recent post, Isolated Chronically Elevated D-dimer, which provides the explanations for this finding.

Isolated Chronically Elevated D-dimer

I [Geo] have had a number of questions from people who report a chronically elevated D-dimer with no clinical associations or parallel positive laboratory assays. In many cases their original D-dimer was ordered in response to a clinical indication such as chest pain or possible C19 symptoms, and remained elevated long after the original event […]

Coagulation Overview

In response to requests, we’ve posted our latest audio PowerPoint module, “Coagulation Overview.” Please visit our growing list of recently produced free modules under the menu heading, Educational Modules.

Coagulation Factors

D-dimer and DOACs

Here is a recent question from a colleague. “Dear George, A patient with a PE of unknown etiology, is now completing their 6th month of Eliquis therapy. When is the ideal time to check a D-dimer? Thank you.” Before answering, I [Geo] consulted with Dr. Larry Brace, who responds, “My opinion is that if the […]

Anticoagulant Therapy

Covid-Coag Controversies 10-18-20 Video

Click here to watch George Fritsma’s 50-minute presentation, COVID-Coag; Controversies and Confusion. This is a follow-up to our September 15 presentation featuring Dr. Andrew Goodwin, and was provided as part of the Imtermountain States Seminar annual meeting in virtual format. Special thanks to Holly Weinberg for her invitation and for coordinating the event.

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George Fritsma is a medical laboratory scientist, educator, and author. George holds faculty appointments with Rutgers University and Michigan State University, and is a member of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, American Association of Clinical Chemists, and American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Cheat Sheets from George

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