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Coagulation profiles in neonates--if the specimen clots repeat the test
1Grantley Stable Neonatal Unit, Perinatal Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland. mark_davies@health.qld.gov.au
Summary
A significant number of neonatal coagulation profile specimens clot (6.0%). If a specimen clots, repeating the test is crucial, as many repeated tests reveal abnormal clotting in neonates.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Pathology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Coagulation profiles are vital diagnostic tools in neonatal care.
- Specimen quality can impact test accuracy, particularly in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency of clotted coagulation profile specimens in neonates across two institutions.
- To determine the rate of repeat testing for clotted neonatal specimens.
- To analyze the results of repeated coagulation tests in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of neonatal coagulation profile (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time) data from pathology databases.
- Identification and counting of clotted specimens and repeat tests.
- Comparison of repeated test results with neonatal normal ranges.
Main Results:
- 6.0% of neonatal coagulation profile specimens clotted (45 out of 746).
- 69% (31) of clotted specimens were repeated.
- 71% (17) of processed repeat specimens showed abnormal results, indicating potential clotting abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Clotted neonatal coagulation specimens should not be presumed to indicate normal clotting.
- Repeat testing of clotted specimens is essential for accurate neonatal coagulation assessment.
- Abnormalities detected in repeat tests highlight the need for prompt clinical evaluation.