[Routine preoperative evaluation of hemostasis]

Preoperative evaluation of hemostasis is mainly based on the clinical investigation. Clinical symptoms and history taking help target the most at risk patients. Clinical assessment is also helpful in defining the acquired or constitutional nature of any hemostatic disorder and the type of anomaly involved, e.g. primary hemostatic disorder or coagulation defect. Proper evaluation also helps detect the potential risk of bleeding independently of biological defects detectable with routine tests. Applied in an informative population, clinical evaluation enables optimal utilization of laboratory results.