Quick Question Archive

June, 2020 QQ: Protein S Deficiency

Our June, 2020 Quick Question asks what assay we use to screen for protein S deficiency. Our purpose is to support the development of a Choosing Wisely recommendation that addresses our use of thrombosis risk factor test profiles, which customarily include a protein S assay. Thanks in advance, and please feel free to comment on […]

Quick Question Archive

May 2020 Quick Question: D-dimer Results

Our May, 2020 Quick Question, which attracted 70 responses, was, “What assay does your lab use to monitor DIC?” The answers were somewhat predictable, only with a twist. They were: a. FDP: 1% [1] b. D-dimer: 69% [48] c. FDP & D-dimer: 30% [21] d. Other, please comment: 0 These findings are interesting because most […]

April, 2020 Quick Question: HEMLIBRA Results

Our April, 2020 Quick Question was: “How does your facility measure factor VIII during HEMLIBRA therapy?” Here are our answers from 29 respondents: a. One-stage PTT-based FVIII assay: 17% (5) b. Two-stage chromogenic FVIII assay: 45% (13) c. PTT-based assay calibrated to emicizumab: 10% (3) d. There is no reliable assay: 28% (8) Dr. Ali […]

Bleeding Disorders

April, 2020 Quick Question: HEMLIBRA

With the rapid onset of game-changing injectable emicizumab [HEMLIBRA] therapy for hemophilia, coagulation laboratories face a new challenge. On the occasions when HEMLIBRA-treated hemophiliacs need factor VIII concentrate therapy, or if there is a desire to test for residual factor VIII, what means does the laboratory possess? Likewise, the clinician may need a means to […]

Bleeding Disorders

March 2020 Quick Question Summary

Our March, 2020 Quick Question, “How does your facility measure extended half-life factor VIII concentrate therapy?” drew 24 votes, reflecting the number of laboratories serving Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders services worldwide. Here are the answers: A. One-stage clot-based FVIII assay 46% [11] B. Two-stage chromogenic FVIII assay 42% [10] C. We don’t measure, assays are […]

Bleeding Disorders

March 2020 Quick Question

Look to the right for our March, 2020 Quick Question, “How does your facility measure extended half-life factor VIII concentrate therapy?” After you select your answer please add your comments by sending an email to [email protected].

Bleeding Disorders

Feb, 2020 Quick Question: Chronic Bleeding

Our February, 2020 Quick Question, which drew 114 answers, asks, “For chronic bleeds, poor wound healing with normal PT, PTT, FG and platelets, what assay should be next?” Answers: Factor VIII: 18% (21) Factor IX: 3% (3) Factor XI: 4% (5) Factor XIII: 75% (85) The question was meant to draw us to factor XIII […]

Bleeding Disorders

QQ: Chronic Bleeds, Normal PT and PTT

For our February, 2020 Quick Question we ask, “a 34-YO woman who experiences chronic bleeding and poor wound healing has normal PT, PTT, fibrinogen, and platelet results, including platelet function testing. What test should be performed next?” Please provide your answer and post comments here using the comment function or by emailing George ([email protected]).

Quick Question Archive

QQ Results: 5 YO Girl with Systemic Bleeding

Our January, 2020 Quick Question was based on our December 26, 2019 case, 5 YO Girl with Systemic Bleeding. This case generated discussion from experts around the world, whose comments are provided below. But first, here is the question and responses. Question: What diagnosis fits no aggregation reponse to ADP, collagen, and AA? The question […]

Bleeding Disorders

Quick Question: Discard Tube?

Our December, 2019 Quick Question asks, “When collecting hemostasis specimens, when do you use a discard tube?” Results from 46 respondents: A. Just before every blue-closure tube: 6 (13%) B. Never, the discard tube is unnecessary: 2 (4%) C. Just after an additive tube to avoid carryover: 8 (18%) D. When collecting through an infusion […]

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George Fritsma is a medical laboratory scientist, educator, and author. George is a member of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, the International Society for Laboratory Hematology, and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

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