Quick Question Archive

November 2023 Quick Question: Platelet Hyperaggregability Summary

Our modest 15-player response to the November 2023 Quick Question poll implies a scant interest in platelet hyperaggregability, the outcome of an October 4 post by Mayukh Sarkar, PhD. “Sticky Platelet Syndrome.” Question: Do you test for platelet hyperaggregation? No, there’s no such thing: 6 [40%] Yes, we call it “sticky platelets:” 6 [40%] We […]

Arterial Thrombosis

November 2023 QQ: Platelet Hyperaggregability

Our November Quick Question is another poll, this time in response to our provocative October 4, 2023 discussion, initiated by Dr. Mayukh Sarkar, entitled “Sticky Platelet Syndrome.” The question asks, “Do you test for platelet hyperaggregation?” As always, please answer the poll and then post your written opinion in the “Comments” section below.

Quick Question Archive

October 2023 QQ Summary

Our October Quick Question poll asked, “Should coag factors be relabeled using Arabic numerals?” The poll arose from a discussion initiated by Dave McGlasson and attracted 42 responses: No, keep Roman numerals: 18 [42%] Yes, reduce confusion: 18 [42%] Use both Roman and Arabic numerals: 6 [16%] It’s no surprise, based on our earlier discussion, […]

Quick Question Archive

October 2023 Quick Question: Should we Update Coag Factor Names?

Our October 2023 Quick Question follows up a provocative discussion that started with a question by Dave McGlasson who had seen recent hemostasis publications that used Arabic numerals [alternatively called Western or European numerals] instead of Roman numerals. For clarity, Mr. McGlasson was not referring to genetic terminology, which has always used, for example, F8 […]

Quick Question Archive

September 2023 Quick Question: Hemolysis

Our September 2023 Quick Question was a poll that asked, “What unit sends most of your hemolyzed specimens?” The poll received 32 answers: Newborn ICU: 8 [25%] Emergency room: 20 [63%] Other ICU sources: 3 [9%] Remote phlebotomy site: 1 [3%] Thanks to all for your responses. Although visible plasma hemolysis may indicate in vivo […]

Quick Question Archive

Erroneous Factor Assay Order?

Here is a 9-21-23 follow-up from Dr. Emmanuel Favaloro to our provocative September 8, 2023 discussion, Arabic Numerals. “OK, here’s one from today! Specimen management staff booked the sample for factors XIII, IX, XI, and XII! FVIII was not booked in.” Bob Gosselin responded, “Whatever is chosen, there will be those industrious few who will […]

Bleeding Disorders

September 2023 Quick Question: Source of Hemolyzed Specimens

Our September 2023 Quick Question is a simple poll that we hope to use to describe means to reduce specimen hemolysis. If you don’t see an answer that fits your situation, please add your comment below.

Quick Question Archive

August 2023 Quick Question: Coag Specimen Hemolysis

Our August 2023 Quick Question asks, How do you distinguish ex vivo from intravascular plasma hemolysis? The question arises from our lengthy July 25, 2023 discussion, DIC and hemolysis, and is a poll; there is no wrong answer. Read the comments section featuring hemostasis experts Dave McGlasson, Dr. Emmanuel Favaloro, Dr. Giuseppe Lippi, and Robert […]

Quick Question Archive

July 2023 Quick Question Summary: Frozen Specimens

Our July 2023 Quick Question, How long may platelet-poor plasma be stored at –20°C? drew 52 respondents. Here are our results: 4 hours: 4 [8%] 24 hours: 4 [8%] 2 weeks: 21 [40%] 2 months: 15 [29%] 12 months: 8 [15%] This question arose in response to our lengthy June 15, 2023 post, Freezing Coagulation […]

Quick Question Archive

July 2023 Quick Question

Our July Quick Question asks, “How long may platelet-poor plasma be stored at –20 degrees C?” This reflects our recent series of posts regarding hemostasis specimen management, including our June 21 discussion on Specimen Transport. Many specimen management issues are up for review and will be reflected in a new edition of the CLSI Guideline […]

Quick Question Archive

Load more

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.

Cheat Sheets from George

Quick Question